Burn ban lifted

PALMER — The state’s Division of Forestry announced Friday it had lifted its ban on open burning.

The ban, in effect most of the week, came in reaction to hot and dry weather that had raised fire danger to very high levels. The weather led to at least a half dozen wildfires, the largest being nine acres.

Wet weather throughout the Valley on Friday reduced the fire danger, Forestry said, prompting the ban’s suspension.

Burning is once again permitted so long as residents first obtain a burn permit and follows the instructions on it, which includes checking Forestry’s automated phone line to make sure weather conditions haven’t changed.

Burn barrels are also now permitted. Forestry recommends burn barrels be clean metal barrels with vents cut out of the side and a screen on top. They should be 30 feet from any structure and 50 feet from a utility corridor.