With cooler, wetter weather, Montezuma County lifted a fire ban on Wednesday that had been in place since July, following a larger trend of Four Corners jurisdictions easing restrictions.
Cooler temperatures, increased moisture and higher relative humidity enabled the Montezuma County commissioners to vote to lift the ban Tuesday morning.
The lifted ban had carried a maximum $1,000 fine for open flames and fireworks.
However, the county reminds residents that wildfires remain possible and urges continued caution.
The county’s step comes as other regional authorities also lift fire bans.
The Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes lifted their fire restrictions on Sept. 10.
The San Juan National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office removed all fire restrictions on Sept. 5.
On Sept. 4, Mesa Verde National Park and Yucca House National Monument downgraded from Stage 2 to Stage 1 restrictions, allowing campfires at Morefield Campground.
La Plata County also removed fire restrictions on Sept. 5.
Other municipalities within Montezuma County remain unchanged.
Mancos reports no restrictions, while Dolores continues its ban on open flames, in place since June 23. Cortez allows open fires with a permit.
