The city of Madison said Monday it has lifted the ban on outdoor burning.

The burn ban was issued last week because there was a high risk of brush fires starting due to the weather conditions.

The Madison Fire Department said the recent rainfall minimizes concern for outdoor burning in the city of Madison -- however the high winds should temporarily limit burning.

Given the rainfall, the city of Madison has lifted the ban, according to Bernadette Galvez of the Madison Fire Department.

Approved outdoor fireplaces and fire pits may now be used. Prairie and/or natural lawn burns, approved by permits, may also be conducted. 

More information about outdoor and open burning in Madison can be found at http://www.cityofmadison.com/fire/documents/OutdoorandOpenBurningGuide.pdf.

The Habitat ReStore will open a second store on Madison’s far west side.

Habitat ReStore Director Jen Voichick said the decision to expand was made in hopes of reaching an untapped market for donations from communities such as Middleton, Verona and Fitchburg.

"As well as bringing in more donations from the west side, this new location will help our deconstruction crew expand its kitchen tear out business on that side of the county," said Voichick. "In addition, now even more people will experience the benefits of shopping at the Habitat ReStore."

The Habitat ReStore sells new and used building materials to the public at discount prices. Inventory includes: appliances, cabinets, flooring, hardware, windows, wood furniture and more.

The Habitat ReStore accepts donations of tile and wood flooring, cabinets, wood furniture and more. For your donation, people receive a tax deductible receipt and a good feeling for supporting a great cause.

The city portion of taxes on an average Madison home is increasing 3.7 percent. The total levy increase on the average home is 2.71 percent this year compared to nearly 6 percent in 2010.