The start of outdoor burning season will be delayed because of unusually dry weather and a high-level of fire danger, according to San Juan County fire officials.

Due to the delay, permits for outdoor burning will not be issued beginning Oct. 1, as is customary. Because the risk of fire remains high, the start of open burning season will be delayed until the fire danger is reduced to a more manageable level, county Fire Marshal Steve Marler said in a press release.

Marler adds that until enough rain falls to significantly reduce the fire danger, burn permits will remain unavailable in San Juan County, and that the delay is expected to last through most of October. Updates will be issued as conditions change.

For info, visit San Juan County Fire Marshal homepage at, www.sjcfiremarshal.org.