Summit County’s fire danger has been increased to very high — according to the Red, White & Blue Fire Protection District — despite restrictions loosening elsewhere in the state.

U.S. Forest Service officials will decrease some fire restrictions in certain areas of the White River National Forest on Friday, Sept. 18. The Forest Service will reduce fire restrictions to Stage 1 in the Aspen-Sopris, Eagle-Holy Cross and Rifle Ranger districts Friday. The Dillon and Blanco ranger districts will remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions.

The primary difference between the stages for campers and recreationists is that Stage 1 restrictions allow for campfires and the use of charcoal in designated metal grates at developed Forest Service campgrounds and picnic areas. Campfires and charcoal are not allowed anywhere under Stage 2 restrictions. Propane stoves and other petroleum-fueled camping equipment are allowed under both stages.

Officials consider several criteria when determining which restrictions to put in place, including current and anticipated fire danger, resource availability and consistency with neighboring jurisdictions, according to the Forest Service.

“Although we have received some moisture, there is still fire danger in western Colorado,” Scott Fitzwilliams, White River National Forest supervisor, said in a news release. “We try to coordinate fire restrictions as close as possible with counties and other neighboring agencies.”

Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place for all of Summit County and local Bureau of Land Management lands. The fire danger is expected to stay elevated until the next significant precipitation arrives in the county

For more information about the White River National Forest, call 970-945-2521 or visit FS.USDA.gov/whiteriver.