After weeks of drought, Joplin and surrounding areas lift burn bans

KSNF/KODE — Recent rainfall means a number of area burn bans have been lifted.

They had been in effect for a number of weeks as a result of weeks and weeks of no rain. The city of Joplin lifted its ban Tuesday. According to the Oklahoma Forestry Service, there are also currently no bans in any northeast Oklahoma counties or communities. Redings Mill Fire Chief Steven Coats.

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"The rain's, put it into a situation where it's safe and okay to burn outdoors, you know, taking care of leaves and yard waste and being since it's fall, getting into winter, those conditions could change pretty soon because things can dry out pretty rapidly," said Coats.

Fire officials say regardless of whether there's a burn ban, it's always a good idea to reach out to them. Many communities, in fact, require it.