Due to decreased fire activity and improved containment of the Snyder Fire, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has lifted the Colorado River closure it announced last week.

The section of the Colorado River, starting at the James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park in Fruita and extending to the Utah state line, reopened as of noon Tuesday, July 7, according to a news statement.

Additionally, the boat ramp at the Fruita section of James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park is reopened for downstream traffic. 

The closure was initially put in place June 29, when Parks and Wildlife declared the river closed due to public safety concerns and in support of firefighting efforts involved with the Snyder Fire, the agency said.

As of Tuesday, the Snyder Fire had reached 30,302 acres and was at 98% containment, according to the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team I.

“We want to thank everyone for their support and patience during the closures,” said Grand Junction Area Wildlife Manager Kirk Oldham in a statement. “While we know the timing of this closure was not ideal, we greatly appreciate everyone’s cooperation in supporting firefighting efforts.”

Parks and Wildlife warned that despite the near complete containment, warm and dry weather conditions are expected to keep fire danger at an extreme level in the area.