Weekend rain showers brought enough relief to Matagorda County’s dry conditions for officials to lift the long burn ban on Monday. Emergency Management Coordinator Amanda Campos reported the county’s drought index dropped to 433, below the threshold of 500 that triggers a ban. However, Campos urged residents to remain cautious, especially with fireworks during New Year celebrations, and reminded those planning to burn to notify the sheriff’s department first. Open burning within city limits remains illegal without a permit, requiring fires to be contained in barrels or fire pits.