(a) Whenever it appears to the Governor that there is excessive danger of forest fires, he or she may prohibit by proclamation the kindling of a fire in or adjoining forestland or close any or all sections of woodland, or brushland, in any town for such time as the Governor may designate, to all persons except the owner and his or her household, his or her tenants, servants, or agents and persons in the public employment engaged in abating such fire-hazardous condition.

(b) Proclamations shall be published in such newspapers of the State and posted in such places and in such manner as the Governor may order in writing. A copy of such publication and order, attested by the Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs, shall be filed with the Secretary of State and a like copy shall be furnished to the Commissioner who shall attend to the publication and posting thereof. The expenses of such publication and posting shall be paid by the Department. Notice of removal of restrictions imposed by proclamation shall be in the same manner. (Added 1977, No. 253 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)