The season’s burn ban is officially over in Grant County.

The Grant County Fire Defense Board and the Oregon Department of Forestry have announced the end of the burn ban for the region, effective at midnight Oct. 17, in all the rural and city fire districts.

Residents are encouraged to contact their local fire departments or districts for information on any restrictions or permit requirements for open or barrel burning.

Oregon Department of Forestry permits are required to burn slash from logging, thinning or juniper cutting, and also for burning of juniper, sage and grass. Burn piles cannot be larger than 6 feet high and 6 feet across.

Bill Cearns, Grant County Fire Defense, said fire officials still urge people to continue to be carerful when burning, and to have equipment at hand if needed to control their open burns.

The burn ban ended with the close of fire season for the Prineville, Sisters and John Day Units of the Central Oregon Fire Protection District, officially announced this week by Marvin D. Brown, state forester.