The Colorado Springs Fire Department and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office lifted fire restrictions Friday in the city and county, according to news releases from the agencies.

“Recent moisture across the region has contributed to a substantial recovery of dry fuels and reduced the immediate risk of wildfire activity within city limits,” Ashley Franco, spokesperson with the Fire Department, stated in the news release. “In addition, both short- and long-range forecasting models from the National Weather Service indicate a trend toward above-normal precipitation over the next three months, further decreasing local fire danger concerns.”

The Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office implemented mandatory restrictions on outdoor activities that might start a fire in mid-February, which was followed by a historically dry March. El Paso County had downgraded from Stage 2 to Stage 1 restrictions May 12.

Although restrictions are lifted, the Fire Department reminded residents that certain activities remain prohibited year-round within Colorado Springs, including:

• Recreational fireworks requiring ignition, including but not limited to sparklers, rockets, fountains and smoke bombs
• Burning trash, rubbish, yard waste or construction material
• Open burning by non-governmental entities

Colorado Springs has received 0.91 of an inch of precipitation in May, short of the 1.76 inches on average for the month, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo. For the year, Colorado Springs has seen 3.96 inches of precipitation, down from the normal 4.61 inches.