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San Juan National Forest Lifts Fire Restrictions

Austin Cope
File photo of San Juan National Forest north of Durango.

San Juan National Forest has lifted all fire restrictions following an increase in area rainfall. The decision factored in a lower risk for fire behavior, increased humidity and overall weather patterns favorable to combating fires. 

Though lightning is a common cause of wildfires, the change in weather has aided in controlling and extinguishing any new flames. A press release from personnel said that human-caused fires have been “almost nonexistent” in the forest.

 

Forester Gretchen Fitzgerald said the decision involved conversations with counties the forest covers, but ultimately the decision was made by National Forest personnel.

 

“We tried to coordinate with the counties but they’re a different topography,” Fitzgerald said. Having higher country that receives more rainfall than lower elevations was another factor in removing restrictions.

 

Individual restrictions for cities, counties and the Bureau of Land Management are not affected by the forest’s decision.

 

Fire restriction and closure information for the forest can be found on their website or by calling 970-247-4874. Daily showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue in the region for the next few weeks and can put those living near wildfire burns at risk for flooding.

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