Stage 1 fire restrictions in place since July 1 were lifted Tuesday on all private land in La Plata County south of U.S. Highway 160.
This excludes private lands within the municipal boundaries of Bayfield, Durango and Ignacio as well as federal and tribal lands.
County commissioners voted to rescind the restrictions after a Monday announcement that the San Juan National Forest would do the same as a result of a recent bout of rains.
Residents must still obtain a burn permit from their local fire department to set fires, except fires that are agricultural or recreational.
A 25-foot setback from any structures is required for recreational fires, and residents are asked to continue exercising caution when burning.
The restrictions were enacted last month as a precautionary measure after hot temperatures and dry vegetation caused several wildfires in June. During that time, campfires, wood and coal-burning stoves, charcoal grills and open fires on undeveloped lands were prohibited, though fires within designated containers or gas grills on private residences were allowed.
Because the area south of U.S. Highway 160 is at a lower elevation than other parts of the county, it’s a higher risk for wildfire outbreaks.
