Caution called for this holiday weekend

MONTROSE, CO – Interagency Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service crews from the Montrose Interagency Fire Management Unit are not issuing any fire restrictions on federal lands for the upcoming holiday weekend. However, the public is advised to use caution as the area’s vegetation is drying out earlier than normal below 8,000 feet.

“Always be careful with fire,” Fire Management Officer Steve Ellis said. “It looks like it will be a beautiful holiday weekend to enjoy your public lands, but 15 to 20 mph winds with no moisture are forecast for our area, and when it’s dry, that can spell disaster.”

Fire officials ask that you properly dispose of your cigarettes butts, never leave your campfire unattended or ensure it is fully extinguished before departing, and be careful when grilling those hot dogs using charcoal fires. The public should also use caution when accessing areas with tall, dried vegetation as hot mufflers and catalytic converters from vehicles and ATVs may start a fire. Those found negligent in escaped fires could be held liable for both the suppression costs and reclamation of the damaged resources. So, please enjoy your public lands but use caution as we enter the 2006 fire season.

-BLM-