The U.S. Forest Service Salida Ranger District lifted all fire restrictions today, July 19, for San Isabel National Forest land in Chaffee County. Sheriff John Spezze also removed fire restrictions across unincorporated Chaffee County, and Salida and Buena Vista officials lifted municipal fire restrictions.
The U.S. Forest Service issued a statement explaining that fire managers “utilize evaluation guidelines to determine the need for fire restrictions. The criteria examines many variables such as precipitation, wind events, relative humidity levels, temperatures, expected weather patterns, fuel dryness, drought conditions and available firefighting resources.”
Sheriff Spezze issued a statement saying he decided to lift the county’s fire restrictions after he had reviewed the fuel moisture data provided by Forest Service personnel and consulted with Chaffee County Emergency Manager Phil Graham and local fire chiefs.
The announcement from Salida states that the ordinance banning fireworks and open flames was rescinded to prevent confusion and was based on the recommendation of Salida Fire Chief Doug Bess.
With the restrictions now rescinded, Salida’s Independence Day fireworks display has been rescheduled for dusk Saturday, Aug. 25, coinciding with the inaugural Salida Jazz Festival.
Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place for Pike National Forest north and east of Chaffee County.
For additional information about fire bans, restrictions and closures in Colorado, click here.
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