North Carolina’s July heat continues as severe-to-extreme drought grips much of the state, with experts saying 12 to 15 inches of rain within a month and nearly 3 feet over six months are needed statewide.

The burn ban implemented by the Burke County Fire Marshal’s office, as well as the statewide ban instituted by the North Carolina Forest Service, will be lifted effective today, April 2.

The 60-acre woods blaze that scorched Burkemont Mountain late last week was 100% contained by Friday morning, but Burke County isn’t out of th…