Garfield County will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions at 1 a.m. Friday after more than two months under the more stringent Stage 2 restrictions.

Stage 2 restrictions have been in place since June 26.

Significant rainfall has reduced the potential for fires to spread, but fire danger remains and officials are urging residents and visitors to continue using caution. 

“Recent moisture has reduced fire danger, but it is important to remain vigilant as we head into the holiday weekend with continued high visitation,” White River National Forest Supervisor Brian Glaspell said in a news release. “In the sites where fires are permitted, please be sure your fire is out and cold before leaving it unattended.”

Extreme drought has contributed to heightened fire risk across Colorado. Although fire danger remains high, it is lower than in previous weeks, according to a Garfield County news release. 

Since Stage 2 restrictions took effect, both the Battlement Trail Fire in Battlement Mesa and the 602-acre 310 Fire near Parachute have prompted evacuations. 

Numerous smaller fires, ranging from small spot fires to more significant, yet remote fires, have been contained in Garfield County since restrictions took effect. 

The decision to ease fire restrictions is a coordinated shift following “careful consideration” from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County, according to the county. 

The shift to Stage 1 eases restrictions on campfires. While all fires were prohibited under Stage 2 restrictions, fires in permanent fire grates at developed recreation sites are allowed under Stage 1.

Fires in undeveloped areas, including those in temporary fire pans or rock campfire rings, remain prohibited.

Burn permits will remain postponed or cancelled. 

Explosives, explosive targets and bullets, tracer ammunition and other incendiary ammunition are prohibited.

Smoking is permitted only within designated areas, enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed areas or areas free of combustible materials. 

A developed area may be within city limits or in a rural area but must be groomed, manicured or watered, with grasses, brush and trees regularly maintained by property owners. That includes residential and business areas, improved recreation areas, parks and other maintained common areas.

Undeveloped areas include lands that are not groomed, manicured or watered and where grasses, brush and trees are allowed to grow naturally. They can include unmaintained greenbelts, open space, unmanicured parkland and other areas where vegetation presents an undue wildland fire hazard, as determined by the appropriate authority.

Information on the restriction order can be found at garfieldcountyco.gov.