Just four weeks after widespread flooding on the Big Island, dry conditions have created what county Civil Defense officials are calling "extreme or high fire hazards."

Almost no rain has fallen in Hilo and other districts since Feb. 16, prompting calls for voluntary water conservation in most Leeward and some Windward areas.

County officials announced a ban on all outdoor burning unless specific approval is obtained from the state and county.

The Big Island Department of Water Supply is asking for a voluntary 10 percent reduction in water use for North and South Kohala, North Kona, Ka'u, most of Hamakua and Hakalau.