Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper today signed a ban on open burning and private use of fireworks statewide because of the dry conditions and high fire danger.

“We’re not telling people not to go outside and enjoy the outdoors,” Hickenlooper said at an afternoon press conference. “We’re going to celebrate the Fourth of July.”

The ban does not apply to campfires in constructed, permanent fire pits in campground and recreation sites. Commercial, professional and municipal firework displays are allowed, if the county sheriff has given written approval.

Liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings, charcoal grills at private residences and controlled burns for agricultural or irrigation purposes are also still permitted under the ban.

While Hickenlooper said “we can’t outlaw the lightning,” the ban is in place, indefinitely, to prevent wildfires using a “uniformed approach.”

This year, he said, 344 wildfires have been reported in Colorado.

Hickenlooper said if conditions improve, the ban will be reconsidered for certain areas. At least 44 of Colorado’s 64 counties have a wildfire danger descriptions of “high,” “very high” or “extreme.”

“Counties can go further, they just can’t go back,” Eric Brown, governor spokesman, said on the burn ban.