Sheriff lifts fire ban for county

RBC I Rio Blanco County sheriff Si Woodruff lifted the Stage II fire ban in the county Friday, Sept. 14 but high fire danger still exists.
Rio Blanco County implemented Stage I fire restrictions, banning open fires in unincorporated areas of the county, June 11. The Bureau of Land Management, the White River National Forest and the National Park Service went to Stage II fire restrictions (banning all open flames) on June 22 and Rio Blanco County followed , implementing the Stage II restrictions three days later, canceling Fourth of July fireworks displays in Meeker and Rangely.
Rio Blanco County emergency manager Jon Hutchins said the ban was lifted because of shorter days, cooler nights and recent moisture but “the issue hasn’t gone away.”
“Everybody should still be careful with fire,” Hutchins said.