From S.J. Komarnitsky in Wasilla:

The return of cloudy weather and rain wasn't welcomed by everybody. But Mat-Su fire officials say it's given the Valley a much needed dousing, and permitted them to once again allow open burning, which had been restricted for several days.

Here's the release sent out today by state forestry officials.

"Due to Valley wide wetting rains, the suspension of open burning permits has been lifted. Open burning is now allowed with a valid Mat-Su Area burning permit.

When burning… please be considerate of where your smoke will go, and who it may affect. Be sure to fully read and understand the terms and conditions of your permit and be sure to have the permit available on location of your burn.

Continue to call the burn permit recording line 761-6312, or check the Division of Forestry web site at http://forestry.alaska.gov for updates as conditions change."