BLM implements fire restrictions in five San Luis Valley counties
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
MONTE VISTA, Colo. – Current and forecasted weather, coupled with dry conditions, have prompted the BLM’s San Luis Valley Field Office to again implement fire restrictions on BLM-managed lands in Alamosa, Rio Grande, Conejos, Costilla, and Saguache counties. In addition to the heightened risk for fires, increased fire activity in Colorado and beyond has limited the availability of firefighting resources in the region. Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect on August 21, 2020 for BLM lands in these counties.
“Fire danger is increasing across the San Luis Valley,” said San Luis Valley Field Office Manager Melissa Garcia. “With many fire resources being dedicated to large fires across Colorado, these restrictions will reduce the likelihood of human caused fires starting on public lands.”
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit the following acts:
- 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.
These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Colorado. These prohibit:
- Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
- Possession, discharge or use of any fireworks.
- Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
- Burn, ignite or cause to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
- Operate any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1(c).
Fire restrictions will be in place until further notice. In addition to criminal penalties, those found responsible for starting wildfires may also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.
For more information about fire restrictions in the San Luis Valley Field Office, please visit the Rocky Mountain District Fire Restrictions page (go.usa.gov/xvhGj) or call the San Luis Valley Field Office at (719) 852-7074.
The Rio Grande National Forest is also implementing fire restrictions on US Forest Service lands. Additional information on US Forest Service fire restrictions can be found at the Rio Grande National Forest website or by calling the Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor’s office at (719) 852-5941.
The BLM manages more than 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.