Rain brings end to ban on campfires

A five-month ban on campfires was lifted Thursday because of recent rains and cooler temperatures, forestry officials said.

In addition, the U.S. Forest Service lowered the fire danger level from “extreme” to “high,” spokeswoman Stephanie Vela said. Charcoal barbecues and smoking will remain restricted to fire rings and grills in park recreation sites, Vela said.

-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske