Rocky Mountain District field offices enter stage 1 fire restrictions
The Bureau of Land Management’s Rocky Mountain District entered stage 1 fire restrictions today because of dry conditions and high fire danger. These restrictions apply to the Royal Gorge and San Luis Valley field offices, which include all BLM-administered public lands within the boundaries of Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Boulder, Chaffee, Clear Creek, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, El Paso, Fremont, Gilpin, Huerfano, Jefferson, Kiowa, Lake, Larimer, Las Animas, Lincoln, Logan, Mineral, Morgan, Otero, Park, Powers, Pueblo, Rio Grande, Saguache, Sedgwick, Teller, Washington, Weld, and Yuma counties. Restrictions remain in place until rescinded.
"As seasonal changes bring heightened wildfire risk, public safety remains a top concern," said Chris Ziegler, the acting District Manager for the BLM's Rocky Mountain District. "Fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human caused wildfires while we encourage the public get out and enjoy their public lands".
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Under stage 1 fire restrictions the following acts are prohibited:
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites. Devices using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted.
• 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 acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
• Using exploding targets.
Details about BLM Colorado year-round fire restrictions and tips for preventing wildfires are available online. Learn about fire restrictions throughout the state from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office at (719) 269-8500, or the San Luis Valley Field Office at (719) 852-7074.
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.