The parched ground in Cullman County might’ve finally gotten some rain over the long Labor Day weekend, but not enough to lift a temporary restriction on outdoor burning — at least in the city of Hanceville.

The Hanceville Fire Department issued an Aug. 27 notice on social media announcing a pause in the issuing of burn permits, which are required within the city limits before starting an outdoor fire. The department’s coverage area also extends beyond the Hanceville city limits, though out-of-city residents within that coverage area are not bound by the same requirement.

“Effective immediately,” the message read, “Hanceville Fire and Rescue will no longer be issuing burn permits or allowing controlled burns in our fire coverage area. With the dry conditions, rising temperatures, and extremely low humidity it is unsafe for anyone to do outdoor burning at this time.”

Hanceville fire chief Rodger Green said Tuesday that the recent rainfall had been too sporadic to justify lifting the temporary permit pause just yet. “We’ve had some rain, but there are other areas that hardly got any, so we’re leaving it in place for now,” he said. “If you’re in our coverage area but out of the city limits and in the county, we’re just advising that you not do any burning yet within that area.”

Parts of Cullman County saw more than 1.5 inches of rain in a 24-hour span on Sunday, Sept. 1, and Monday, Sept. 2, while a larger portion of the county received closer to .5 inch. Current seven-day forecasts call only for slight chances of additional rain toward the end of this week — particularly on Thursday and Friday — before giving way to sunny skies and cooler temperatures over the upcoming weekend.