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The burn ban that was in effect in 30 western North Carolina counties, including Polk County, was lifted today, per the N.C. Forestry Service.

Effective at 5 p.m. today, the state ban on all open burning outside of a 100-foot area around an occupied dwelling was lifted, after the area received significant rainfall on Tuesday.

The burn ban was also lifted in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties.

In a statement, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the public should still use caution when burning outdoors.

“While recent rainfall has decreased fire danger and provided some relief from persistent dry conditions, I can’t stress enough how important it is for the public to be careful, ready and responsible when burning outdoors,” said Troxler.

The burn ban was issued on November 5 due to dry conditions and the severe drought affecting the area.