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BLM Colorado modifies land closures in Mesa County for public, fire fighter safety

Colorado River DO
Colorado
Media Contact
BLM Office:

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management is reopening some public lands previously closed to unauthorized entry due to the Snyder Fire in Mesa County, Colo. The Bureau of Land Management is maintaining the closure on camping and access to the Ruby Horsethief section of the Colorado River and other public lands in Mesa County, Colo. and Grand County, Utah. This emergency closure is necessary to ensure public and firefighter safety during firefighting activities and suppression rehabilitation efforts. The order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until the Snyder Fire is declared controlled or until this order is rescinded.

More information, including updated orders and maps, is available at the Upper Colorado River District’s fire restrictions page. All standing fire restrictions remain in place until rescinded.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

In addition to year-round wildfire prevention rules and stage 1 restrictions, the following are prohibited:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, or the use of charcoal barbeques and grills. However, devices using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are exempted.
  • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
  • Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
  • Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
  • Using exploding targets.

For more information about fire restrictions in GJFO, please contact the field office at (970) 244-3000. Find current federal and state fire restrictions using the new Rocky Mountain Area Interagency Fire Restriction Dashboard.

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.