'I think for now we can lift it, but if it turns dry again, we may have to reinstitute it.'
Fulton County Commissioners on Monday lifted a countywide burn ban that has been in effect for nearly a month.
Recent rain showers were enough to lift the burn ban, which has been in effect since Oct. 7. It was the second burn ban imposed by commissioners this year due to dry conditions. The first one was under effect from Sept. 16-23 and was reinstated just two weeks later.
Commissioners consulted with Rochester Fire Chief TJ DuBois before lifting the burn ban at their meeting Monday morning. The decision was unanimous, however, Commissioner Dave Sommers cautioned that it could be reinstated again.
"I think for now we can lift it, but if it turns dry again, we may have to reinstitute it," he said, adding that a soaking rain may still be needed to fully end the fire danger.
"Hopefully, we continue to get a little more," Commissioner President Bryan Lewis said of rain.
With the burn ban lifted, open burning returns, along with the burning of debris and recreational bonfires.
A statewide map showing the burn ban status of counties is available at in.gov/dhs/burnban.
According to that map, shown below, 32 counties were reporting active burn bans as of 11 a.m. Monday. Marshall County's burn ban was additionally lifted.
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