MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - Emergency burning restrictions will be lifted on Monday in much of central Wisconsin.

The state DNR said Friday afternoon that the bans on open burning, campfires, and outdoor smoking would end at 12:01 a.m. Monday on lands where the DNR provides fire protection.

That includes all or parts of Adams, Columbia, Green Lake, Marquette, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara, Jackson, Juneau, Monroe, and Wood counties.

The DNR’s Catherine Koele says recent rains have made things greener – but it will still take a long time to recover from the drought.

People should check with local officials before doing any outdoor burning.

Similar burning bans were lifted last month in southwest Wisconsin.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says just over half of Wisconsin’s land area is still abnormally dry at the least.

All or parts of 12 southern counties are still listed as being in an “extreme” drought.