Some fire restrictions lifted

Officials are lifting some fire restrictions in southern Utah and northern Arizona after monsoon rainfall has reduced the threat of wildfires.

As of Friday, visitors will be allowed to build campfires and use charcoal grills in the Color Country area.

That area includes: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dixie National Forest, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon and Zion National parks, Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Paiute Agency's land, and unincorporated state and private lands in Washington, Kane (east of U.S. 89), and Garfield (east of U.S. 89) counties.

Although the restriction has been lifted, Color Country fire officials urged visitors to exercise caution in using open flames in these areas.