Burn bans being lifted

UNDATED - The Hall County Fire Department Thursday announced that the outdoor burn ban in the county has been lifted, effective immediately - and Forsyth County officials plan to end the burn ban there next week.

Hall County Fire Marshal Scott Cagle said the ban was being lifted because of the recent rains.

Hall is one of several counties in north Georgia where a state-mandated ban is in effect each summer but last year's was extended because of the drought which increased the likelihood of grass and woods fires.

In addition, Forsyth County is lifting its ban on outdoor burning effective Monday.

"The lifting of the previously imposed ban on outdoor burning should in no way be perceived as meaning that conditions are such that burning can be conducted in a careless manner," Fire Chief Danny Bowman said. "It is quite the opposite. No fire, indoors or out, should ever be trusted to chance."