The Sandoval County Fire Department lifted the restrictions on open burning in unincorporated areas of the county at noon on Friday August 15, 2014.

With the recent rainfall amounts in the state, the risk for an uncontrolled wildfire has dropped significantly, said Sandoval County Fire Chief James Maxon.

While restrictions are being lifted, the fire department still requires certain parameters be in place before any open burning can occur. Those parameters are spelled out in Open Burning Info section of the fire departments website.

We want to remind citizens that, even though the recent rainfall has improved conditions, there always is a risk that sudden shifts in the weather can cause a controlled burn to rapidly change and become out of control, Chief Maxon said.

For that reason, citizens are encouraged to take the following precautions when conducting a burn:

• Create defensible spaces
• Keep fire piles small
• Always have a water source nearby.

Its also important to remember that the burning of any trash is against state law, Chief Maxon added. Only the burning of vegetation, brush and agricultural debris is permissible.