Montgomery County has ended its ban on open-air burning instituted March 9 because of dry, windy conditions.

Recent rains prompted the lifting of the ban. County residents who live outside of Blacksburg may now burn tree limbs, brush and similar materials after 4 p.m., but they must notify the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office first. Other solid waste may not be burned, according to a county news release.

Virginia law allows controlled burning only after 4 p.m. from Feb. 15 through April 30. After April 30, localities may allow burning any time during the day.

The lifting of the county burn ban does not apply to Blacksburg, however. Town residents must apply for a permit from the Blacksburg Fire Department before burning any materials, no matter the time of year.

For more information, contact the sheriff's office at 382-2951 or the Blacksburg Fire Department at 961-1175.

-- Tonia Moxley