Recent rainstorms have eased dry conditions and lifted both local and statewide burn bans.
Multiple wildfires torched thousands of acres across the state, including in Polk, Rutherford and Gaston counties, prompting the governor to issue a state of emergency in 34 counties across Western North Carolina. The ban, which was issued by the N.C. Forest Service and prohibited all fires, went into effect Friday, March 21, and was lifted Wednesday.
Cleveland County also issued its own, separate ban on fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling the same day as the statewide ban. That ban has also been lifted…