WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Vermont lifted its statewide ban on open burning Friday, after the risk of wildfires decreased from high to moderate.
“The recent rainfall has provided much-needed relief, saturating small, easy-to-burn fuels and thereby reducing the risk of wildfire,” said Vermont Forest Fire Supervisor Dan Dillner said in the release.
While town forest fire wardens can now issue fire kindling permits, some restrictions may remain in place depending on daily conditions, according to a Friday news release.
The burn ban had been in place since Sept. 22 due to severe and extreme drought conditions throughout the state.
“This welcome precipitation follows nearly two months of dry weather, drought conditions, and higher than normal wildland fire activity throughout the state — primarily caused by escaped debris burns or unattended campfires,” Dillner said.
The majority of Vermont — including all of Orange County and most of Windsor County — remains under an “extreme drought,” according to an Oct. 23 map published by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
New Hampshire’s statewide burn ban, which also began Sept. 22, remains in effect. The state is under a “moderate” wildfire risk, according to an automated recording on the Division of Forests & Lands’ wildfire information line.
More than half of New Hampshire — including all of Grafton County and around half of Sullivan County — is currently under an “extreme drought,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.