Posted Thursday, May 24, 2012 --- 7:55 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Burning restrictions have been lifted in four northwestern Wisconsin counties.

The burning restrictions were in effect in portions of Burnett, Douglas, Polk and Washburn counties because of debris that remains from a July 2011 windstorm, above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.

Burn piles, burn barrels, campfires, fireworks and smoking outdoors had all been banned since April 6. State forestry experts say the area has received a good amount of precipitation and trees have leafed out, so the fire dangerous is significantly reduced.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.