MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Martin County Fire Rescue has lifted its burn ban for all unincorporated areas of Martin County, including the Village of Indiantown, effective immediately, after an expected increase in rain showers and damp conditions this week reduced wildfire concerns. The county said residents may now resume recreational fires, including campfires, fire pits and fire pit grills, as well as the burning of yard trash and vegetation.

Officials said residents should still follow Martin County’s open-burn guidelines and use caution, warning that conditions can change quickly and the burn ban could be reinstated at any time. Anyone seeking a burn authorization permit should contact Martin County Fire Prevention at 772-288-5633. The county said applications must be submitted before 5 p.m. on the day before the proposed burn, and any residential yard waste burn larger than 8 feet will require authorization from the Florida Forest Service.

Martin County joins several neighboring Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County communities that have already rolled back burn restrictions as weather conditions improved.

Palm Beach County lifted its burn ban on March 20, saying the order first issued Feb. 10 was no longer necessary because of improving weather conditions and a reduced fire risk. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said residential and permitted burns are again allowed, although residents are still urged to follow permit requirements and safety guidelines.

See also: Impact Weather: Rain, gusty winds expected across South Florida through midweek

St. Lucie County also lifted its countywide burn ban after recent rain showers lowered the wildfire threat. County officials said the ban, which had been in place since Feb. 7, was removed in coordination with the St. Lucie County Fire District. The county also reported its Keetch-Byram Drought Index had dropped from the extreme wildfire danger range to the moderate range following recent rainfall.

Indian River County similarly lifted its countywide burn ban effective immediately after recent rainfall and improved conditions significantly lowered wildfire risk there. County officials have continued to encourage residents to use caution with any outdoor burning.

Even with the improving forecast, fire officials across the region are reminding residents that outdoor burning should be done carefully and in compliance with local rules as South Florida heads deeper into spring.