MARS — Mars Borough Council voted to extend an open flame burning ban Monday night.

In July, council decided to issue a burn ban following a request from Adams Area Fire District Chief Tim Llewellyn.

At that time, Llewellyn suggested the four municipalities — Adams Township, Mars, Seven Fields and Valencia — covered by the fire district review the ban every 14 days. The initial request was made following a grass fire in a residential area along Valley Brook Drive in July.

Citing Adams Township's recent move to extend the burning decree, Councilman Brad Price suggested council consider extending the ban.

“Adams just sent out a call,” Price said. “To Aug. 17, it's been extended.”

Council officials agreed the additional time would be safer for residents.

“It's still really dry out,” said Gregg Hartung, mayor.

Council unanimously approved the ban extension to Aug. 17, at which time the motion will be reevaluated.

During his report to council, Hartung said he and other borough residents met exclusively with NASA representatives July 24 via a webinar.The topic of discussion was NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission, which launched July 30 and should land on the red planet in February.Borough officials are beginning to plan for the 2021 Mars New Year celebration, according to Hartung.“Hopefully, with COVID-19 not being as much an issue,” Hartung said.At this time, the Mars New Year Blast-Off Dinner is scheduled to take place Feb. 18. The Mars mission is expected to make planetfall in the Jezero crater on that date.