Union County Judge Mike Loftin on Monday lifted the burn ban the county had been under since Oct. 4, but local residents are still urged to be careful if burning outdoors.
A brief press release issued by the county judge's office states that Loftin "urges everyone to use precautions when burning."
The burn ban was the fourth issued in Union County so far this year.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, there are still "moderate drought" conditions present in Union County. Moderate drought conditions are characterized by forage crops being stunted, declining river levels and wildfires, according to the Drought Monitor.
The Arkansas Forestry Commission on Monday listed Union County as being at a high risk for wildfires, along with 33 other counties in south and central Arkansas.
Eighteen other counties had burn bans in effect Monday, mostly in south Arkansas, according to the Forestry Commission.
The National Weather Service reports that 2.04 inches of rain fell on Saturday, Oct. 29. The NWS predicts sunny skies until Friday, when chances of rain and thunderstorms will pick up.
The drought affecting Union County has been ongoing since last summer, National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Hemingway said in April, and is caused by La Nina conditions, which can last up to two years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
El Dorado Fire Chief Chad Mosby warned in October that under very dry conditions, fires can start easily. Discarding lit cigarette butts, sparks thrown from chains or other metal items dragged behind vehicles and even hot exhaust pipes on vehicles parked near dry grass could all spark a wildfire, he said.
Cory Bostic, district forester for the Forestry Division, said it's important to report a fire as soon as one sees it.
"If you see smoke or a fire, please call 911 or the Forestry Division Dispatch Center at 1-800-468-8834," he said.