Denton County lifted its burn ban Monday, Oct. 5, freeing Flower Mound and Highland Village residents to resume outdoor burning and cooking after more than five weeks of restrictions.

The county announced the decision Monday morning, as first reported by the Cross Timbers Gazette. About a week of heavy rainfall across the county prompted the move.

County Judge Andy Eads imposed the ban Aug. 25 through a Local Disaster Declaration for Threat of Wildland Fires. At the time, Denton County had gone at least 30 days without measurable rain. The county was the 178th of Texas's 254 counties to enact a burn ban that month, according to the county's official announcement.

The ban prohibited all outdoor burning on private property, restricted outdoor welding and cutting-torch work, and limited cooking to fully enclosed propane or natural gas devices. The penalty: a fine of up to $500 for a Class C misdemeanor.

The county fire marshal's office had recommended the restrictions to commissioners, citing high temperatures, high winds, low humidity and dead or dormant vegetation across the region. Local fire departments fought wildfires, structure fires and grass fires across southern Denton County during the ban period.

With the ban now lifted, residents may resume all outdoor burning and cooking activities that were restricted during the order, without limitation.

In the county's Aug. 25 disaster declaration, Eads said, "Prevention of potential wildland fires is essential to the safety of county residents." Chief Fire Marshal Brad Sebastian urged residents at the time to clear combustible debris from around their homes, keep water hoses accessible and call 911 early if a small fire starts.

The heavy rain that ended the drought also caused some road closures around the county due to flooding and ponding on highways.

Residents with questions can contact the Denton County Emergency Services Office at 940-349-2840.