The recent rains have prompted El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa to lift stage 1 fire restrictions in the unincorporated areas.

Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor did the same, saying residents can once again have outdoor fires.

“The citizens are the ones who should be commended for the continued protection and safety of our community. This fire season isn’t over for us, but the data shows the risks are trending down,” Taylor said in a statement.

The U.S. Forest Service also has dropped the last remaining campfire restrictions in the Pike and San Isabel national forests after recent rain.

The forest service had been at stage 1 restrictions for the Pikes Peak, South Platte, San Carlos and South Park ranger districts, meaning fires were allowed only in developed campgrounds. Those ended Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Arapahoe, Roosevelt, Gunnison, Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre national forests remain at stage 1 restrictions. All fires are banned in Rio Grande National Forest and they are allowed only at higher elevations in the San Juan National Forest.

For private land in unincorporated areas, the sheriff’s office announced Tuesday it is ending its fire ban.

The sheriff’s decision is effective immediately.

“It means there are no fire restrictions in place,” sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Jeff Kramer said in an email. “Resume normal guidance under pre-existing state statutes etc.”

Like Taylor, Maketa said he appreciated the cooperation citizens demonstrated during the restriction period.

“The Black Forest and Waldo Canyon fires are profound examples of the dangers and risks associated with fires in the region,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. “It is imperative everyone continue to be hyper vigilant and use extreme caution and practice safe habits when dealing with any item which could spark or cause a fire. The presence of fire fuels like underbrush, dry grass, pine needles and other foliage remain a concern.”

The sheriff’s office said fire officials will continue to monitor fuels, weather and other relevant factors to determine if restrictions are needed in the future.

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