RALEIGH, N.C. — The ban on burning in North Carolina was lifted Wednesday morning, according to the N.C. Forest Service.

The statewide ban, which went into effect on March 21 due to forest fire conditions, ended at 8 a.m., according to the Forest Service.

Wildfires have burned thousands of acres in western North Carolina over the past two weeks.

“We’ve received some well-timed, much-needed rain over the last couple days, which has helped reduce fire danger, allowing us to lift burn ban restrictions across the state,” N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler said in a release. “However, we are still in the midst of spring wildfire season and our recent wildfire activity, especially in Western North Carolina, is a reminder to remain vigilant about burning safely and responsibly.”

The lifting of the ban does not apply to fires started within 100 feet of a dwelling. Local fire marshals have the authority to issue or lift a burn ban within 100 feet of a dwelling.