Local and federal land managers across Southwest Colorado lifted stage 1 fire restrictions this week, meaning campfires and open burning are once again allowed.
La Plata and Archuleta counties both lifted fire restrictions, following the lead of the San Juan National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management. Restrictions remain in place for Montezuma County.
“Recent rains over much of the region have lessened, but not eliminated, the danger from fire, allowing restrictions to be lifted,” said BLM Southwest District Assistant Fire Management Officer Rusty Stark in a news release. “The public is advised to be cautious with activities that could potentially ignite a fire.”
There are many fuel areas that remain dry enough and are therefore a threat for lightning and human-caused fires, La Plata County warned in a news release.
Fire restrictions went into place in July, following a period of dry, hot weather.
Officials are still encouraging the public to keep fires small and manageable, remove flammable material from around fire pits and ensure that flames embers are completely extinguished.
