Pitkin County will lift all fire restrictions midnight Friday

Anna Stonehouse/The Aspen Times
Following the lead of surrounding counties, Pitkin County will lift all fire restrictions as of midnight Friday, an official said Thursday.
“There’s enough moisture for the restrictions to be lifted,” said Rick Balentine, Aspen’s fire chief.
The Stage 1 restrictions were first implemented in the early summer, then were increased to Stage 2 restrictions soon after. The Stage 2 restrictions, which forbid all campfires, charcoal grills and outdoor smoking, were rescinded the last week of August.
Balentine said the decision to lift all restrictions was made earlier this week in conjunction with neighboring counties and the White River National Forest.
Both Summit and Eagle counties will rescind fire restrictions Friday as well, officials have announced. U.S. Forest Service officials also have said fire restrictions for the White River National Forest will be lifted at the same time.
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