Five metro Atlanta counties are under a burn ban even though the state ban has been lifted, officials said Wednesday.

Those counties are Hall, Forsyth, Fayette, Clayton and Gwinnett.

Fayette County Fire Marshal Jeff Felmet told Channel 2 Action News he doesn’t want to take any chances when it comes to homes near wooded areas due in part to the ongoing drought.

About 10 days ago, he said an acre burned after a campfire was abandoned before being properly extinguished.

Officials told Channel 2 they worry about a home catching fire under the dry conditions.

Residents are being asked to take yard debris to a recycling center instead of burning it—or face a fine.

Felmet said the burn ban won’t be lifted before the next rain, at least.

Officials haven’t set a date to the end ban.

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