An experimental system that monitors the Upper Roaring Fork Valley for wildfires has already detected one fire start and so far proved to be a worthwhile tool.
With solid recent rainfall, all fire restrictions in Pitkin County will end Friday morning, officials said Tuesday.
Stage 1 fire restrictions also will end in the White River National Forest and some surrounding counties, said Aspen Fire Chief Rick Balentine and Pitkin County Emergency Manager Valerie MacDonald.
“The data doesn’t support us being in fire restrictions,” MacDonald said, “mainly because of the moisture surge we’ve had lately.”
Still, with fire seasons extending into October in recent years, officials warned the public to remain on guard about wildfire danger.
“Although we are coming out of fire restrictions, I’m asking all Pitkin County residents and visitors to remember that fire season is far from over,” Sheriff Joe DiSalvo said in a Tuesday news release. “Everyone should remain vigilant, adhere to fire safety rules and report all smoke and fire to 911 immediately.”
Aspen Times editorial board
While we are certain the city of Aspen was well-intentioned with visions of reducing our carbon footprint and minimizing crowds, after spending the Fourth of July holiday downtown we hope those in charge concluded the same thing we did: bring back the traditional parade.
The Aspen Times participated in this year’s community event, and along with connecting with some of our readers we gave away 300 Paradise Bakery cookies, as well as 300 Otter-Pops, countless balloon animals to kids and let everyone know about our 140th birthday party Aug. 26 at the Aspen Historical Society.
We published a nice feature story about how the crowds flocked to downtown and a great slideshow of photos from the entire day, and we did our annual Facebook Live from the Fourth celebrations.
Aspen Fire’s training helps honor memory of a friend
This is a thank you letter to our community, Aspen Fire, Rick Balentine and Jeff Edelson. The Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council is pleased the Leslie Thomas Technical Large Animal Rescue Team training took place last weekend with success. We are glad to hear six counties participated in this training. RFVHC raised the funds from Leslie’s friends and family members to help the locals, the ranchers and landowners who may someday need the Aspen Fire Department and first responders to save the lives of their animals, properties and wandering wildlife.