The state Department of Natural Resources has lifted a statewide burn ban after recent rains helped defuse dangerous fire conditions.
The ban had been set to expire Sept. 30, but was extended twice as extremely dry conditions and warm temperatures persisted well into October. The dry spell ended Friday, when a strong storm brought rain to much of Washington, even breaking some daily precipitation records west of the Cascade Mountains.
DNR lifted its burn ban at midnight Monday. Clark County planned to lift its ban on recreational burning at the same time, after the city of Vancouver did so late Monday afternoon.
Cooler temperatures and rain are expected to continue throughout this week, according to the National Weather Service in Portland.
