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DOLORES, Colo. – Stage 1 fire restrictions begin July 1 for all Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands administered by the Tres Rios Field Office within the boundaries of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, and San Miguel counties, including Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. The restrictions align with local orders and guidelines to protect the safety of the public during high fire danger.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

• Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (i.e. a metal, in-ground containment structure – fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable)
• No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas
• 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.

Stage 1 fire restrictions on these lands will be in place until further notice. Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both. Those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.

Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.  More information about fire prevention is available at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/get-involved/fire-prevention.

-BLM-