By Associated Press - Thursday, June 21, 2018

DURANGO, Colo. (AP) - The Latest on the reopening of Colorado’s San Juan National Forest (all times local):

4:20 p.m.

Officials are warning people to be careful now that a southwestern Colorado forest are back open as warm, dry weather returns to an area still plagued by drought.



The San Juan National Forest and Bureau of Land Management Land around Durango reopened Thursday after being closed last week because of the fire danger.

Open fires, outdoor smoking, and firearms are among the things banned in the forest to prevent another possible wildfire.

The closure of the forest and a wildfire that started June 1 has hurt the area’s tourism-reliant economy.

A fund has been set up to help people who lost work and Durango residents have sent food to the mountain town of Silverton, the destination of a scenic railroad shut down by the fire and conditions. Colorado breweries plan a fundraiser Saturday.

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11:40 a.m.

Officials are warning people to be careful as a southwestern Colorado forest and other public lands re-open as warm, dry weather returns to an area still plagued by drought.

The San Juan National Forest and Bureau of Land Management land around Durango will open Thursday at 3 p.m.

Open fires, outdoor smoking, and firearms are among the things banned in the forest to prevent another possible wildfire.

The closure of the forest and a wildfire that started June 1 has hurt the area’s tourism-reliant economy.

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A fund has been set up to help people who lost work and Durango residents have sent food to the mountain town of Silverton, the destination of a scenic railroad shut down by the fire and conditions. Colorado breweries plan a fundraiser Saturday.

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