Stage 2 fire restrictions lifted for Pitkin County starting Friday; stage 1 restrictions remain

Pitkin County officials on Tuesday announced they will lift stage 2 fire restrictions starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday thanks to recent moisture, though they emphasized that stage 1 restrictions will remain in effect.

Eagle County also is ending stage 2 restrictions starting the same time later this week, officials said Tuesday. And the White River National Forest is expected to move to stage 1 by the end of the week.

The lesser stage 1 restrictions still prohibit fireworks, though campfires in a developed recreation site “or improved site to include a fire ring/pit” are now allowed, according to a news releases sent out by the counties.

Smoking outside at a developed recreation site or in areas with a three-foot in diameter space cleared of flammable material also is allowed again.

Charcoal grills at private residences and in developed picnic grounds, campgrounds and recreational sites also are approved for use, the release states.

Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo and other fire managers in the area decided to lift the restrictions, all saying that moisture measurements and favorable weather conditions supported the action.