Summit County and the Dillon Ranger District lifted the Stage 1 fire restrictions effective Friday, November 1, at 12:01 a.m. This is due to the recent precipitation and a favorable winter weather forecast. The Town consented to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Dillon Ranger District enacted Stage 1 fire restrictions on October 11, 2024, in response to dry fall conditions.
"Our weather pattern has finally changed. Recent rain and snow have increased moisture levels in our vegetation, slowing the potential spread of fires and reducing their intensity," said Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons. He recommended to the BOCC that fire restrictions be lifted.
Local, state and federal officials participate in weekly regional conference calls to monitor, assess, and discuss conditions related to fire danger throughout the Western Slope of Colorado and to make determinations about appropriate fire restrictions.
Effective tomorrow, no areas on the White River National Forest are under fire restrictions.
Summit County and U.S. Forest Service officials ask the public to remain cautious despite the decreased fire danger. Big game hunting seasons are in full swing in the WRNF and across Summit County. Hunters are urged to continue to be vigilant and use common sense with fire.
“While fire danger has moderated, conditions can vary by location. As always, ensure your campfire is cold to the touch before leaving it, especially those warming fires on cold mornings,” said Acting Dillon District Ranger Sam Massman.
Here are the best ways to prevent wildfires year-round:
- Never leave a burning fire unattended.
- Always have a way to extinguish your fire at the ready.
- Thoroughly extinguish your fire: douse embers and stir them until they are cool to the touch.
- Do not throw cigarettes on the ground or out of vehicle windows.
- Keep campfires small and under control.
- Do not park or idle vehicles in tall, dry grass.
- Do not allow chains to drag from vehicles or trailers.
For more information about the White River National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov/whiteriver. For more information on wildfire prevention and mitigation in Summit County, visit summitcountyco.gov/wildfire.