El Paso County residents can breathe a slight sigh of relief as Sheriff Joseph Roybal announces the lifting of Stage 1 Fire Restrictions that were put in place earlier in the month. According to the official notice from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the restrictions were implemented on December 17 due to high winds and dry conditions that increased the risk of wildfires throughout the region.
However, the situation has shown improvement, which prompted the decision. In a statement obtained by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Roybal expressed his gratitude towards the community for their cooperation. "I’m grateful for everyone’s cooperation this past week. The high winds and dry conditions made the restrictions necessary." He added that while the windy conditions have dissipated, and moisture is predicted, the threat of wildland fires remains a concern.
The restrictions, which were in effect for the unincorporated areas of El Paso County, included bans on certain outdoor activities like smoking outside and using campfires or grills, all in the interest of preventing potential wildfires. With the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions now lifted, the Sheriff still urges residents to keep exercising caution. "As we lift the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the unincorporated areas of El Paso County, I ask all of our citizens to continuously exercise care and due caution in preventing wildfires," said Sheriff Roybal, particularly when involving themselves in activities that could potentially start a fire.
