White River National Forest and BLM Upper Colorado River District move to stage 1 fire restrictions Friday

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – All lands managed by the White River National Forest and the
Bureau of Land Management Upper Colorado River District will be under stage 1 fire
restrictions beginning Friday, Sept. 5.

Under stage 1 restrictions for the Bureau of Land Management and White River National Forest:

• campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed picnic areas and
  campgrounds (including the Forest Service Homestake Valley designated dispersed
  camping sites in Eagle County); this means a metal, permanently installed in-ground
  containment structure -- fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable.
• no fires of any type including charcoal outside of developed areas.
  fully enclosed metal stoves common in hunting tents are allowed on the White River
  National Forest provided the chimney is at least five feet in length and has a spark
  arrester with a quarter-inch or less screen opening and the area is cleared of vegetation.
• no smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or
  in a barren area free of vegetation.
• no use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.
• no welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except
  from an area that has been cleared of vegetation.
• no operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly
  installed and in working order.

"Although the recent moisture across much of western Colorado has helped lower fire danger,
we expect a return to hot dry weather, and conditions still warrant stage 1 fire restrictions,” said
BLM Upper Colorado River District Manager Greg Larson. “We urge all residents and
visitors to be vigilant and responsible with any outdoor activities that could spark a fire.
Remember, fireworks are not allowed on federal land."

“Although we are lowering fire restrictions, we will still be under stage 1 fire restrictions,” said
White River National Forest Supervisor Brian Glaspell. “In developed campgrounds where
campfires are again permitted, please ensure your fire is completely out and cold before leaving.”

Officials consider several criteria when determining the need for fire restrictions, including
current and anticipated fire danger, resource availability, and consistency with neighboring
jurisdictions. Local, county, state and federal officials within this area evaluate and coordinate
fire restrictions weekly during fire season.

The restriction orders detailing the specific prohibitions are available at
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/alerts and Upper Colorado River District Fire
Restrictions.