While most of North Carolina will see relief from a statewide burn ban this weekend, Moore County is not among the counties where restrictions are being lifted.

The N.C. Forest Service announced that a ban on all open burning will be lifted in 81 counties effective 8 a.m. Sunday, May 3. However, the agency says the ban will remain in place for 19 counties, including Moore County, until further notice.

The statewide burn ban was originally issued March 28 due to hazardous forest fire conditions.

According to the N.C. Forest Service, recent rainfall helped reduce fire danger in parts of the state, allowing officials to ease restrictions in some areas. Still, conditions in Moore County and other affected counties have not improved enough to safely allow open burning.

North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the state is still in the peak of spring wildfire season, when fire risk can change quickly.

Troxler urged residents in counties where the ban has been lifted to use caution and follow all safety guidelines, including obtaining a valid burn permit and staying with any fire. For counties like Moore County where the ban remains in place, he said residents should hold off on burning until conditions improve.

Under state law, the lifting of the statewide burn ban does not apply to fires within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. Local fire marshals have the authority to issue or lift burn bans within that distance.

Officials say all burn permits issued before the March 28 ban were canceled. In counties where the ban is lifted, residents must obtain a new permit before burning. However, burn permits are not being issued in Moore County while the ban remains active.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact their local N.C. Forest Service ranger or county fire marshal for guidance.

Officials continue to stress that ongoing drought conditions mean extreme caution is still needed across the state to prevent wildfires.