Fire officials remind residents fire permits still needed even though burn ban lifted`

ROCHESTER - Following the lifting of a statewide burn ban that was approved on Wednesday, the Rochester Fire Department urges residents to remember that burn permits are still necessary for all open burning. According to the state Forest Protection Bureau, recent rainfall, increased humidity, and improved soil moisture have significantly reduced the wildfire threat across the state. These conditions, along with expected precipitation in the coming days, prompted the Governor and Executive Counci...