The Board of La Plata County Commissioners lifted all fire restrictions in the county on Tuesday, July 25.

Rainfall during the past weeks has brought consistent moisture to La Plata County, which includes the areas south of U.S. Highway 160 that have been under Stage 1 fire restriction since June 28. Based on recommendations from district fire chiefs, Sheriff Sean Smith requested that county commissioners lift all previously enacted fire restrictions in the county.

The BLM and Southern Ute Indian Tribe lifted restrictions last week.

Although fire restrictions have been lifted, county residents must still obtain a permit from the local fire department to conduct an open burn. Residents can request permits from:

Durango Fire Protection District (includes the Animas valley corridor, from the north county line to the New Mexico state line). For permits, call 382-6023 or visit www.durangofirerescue.org/prevention/burn-permits.htm.

Upper Pine Fire Protection District (includes areas east of Bayfield and north to Vallecito). For permits, call 884-9508.

Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District (includes areas in west La Plata County around Hesperus to the New Mexico state line on Highway 140). For permits, call 238-0115.

Los Pinos Fire Protection District (includes areas in the southeast corner of La Plata County and around Ignacio). For permits, call 563-9501.

Prior to burns, residents should call dispatch at 385-2900. Residents near Ignacio should call 563-4401. Burn permits are not required for agricultural burns on land designated by the Assessor's Office as agricultural.

For more information, call 382-6200 or visit http://bit.ly/2tK6x9U.