BLM Institutes Stage II Fire Restrictions on Public Lands in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata and Montezuma Counties
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MONTROSE, Colo. – On Wednesday, July 3, the Bureau of Land Management will institute Stage II Fire Restrictions on public lands in Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, and Montezuma Counties. The following acts are prohibited under Stage II Fire Restrictions within the Restricted Areas:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, wood or charcoal-fueled stove. Exception: Pressurized liquid-fueled stoves with an on/off switch or valve.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Blasting, welding, or other activities which generate a flame, or may result in the ignition of flammable material.
- Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle or OHV off established roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway; and except for parking overnight in developed campgrounds and trailheads.
- The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices are always prohibited on federal lands.
“Last month, county, state and federal officials determined a need for Stage I Fire Restrictions due to the drought and fire weather conditions,” said Connie Clementson, BLM Tres Rios Field Manager. “As the dry conditions persist, we are expanding fire restrictions - with exemptions to allow industry operations to continue.” The federal agencies continuously monitor conditions and will modify the restrictions as needed.
Exemptions to the Stage II Fire Restrictions include authorized activities of any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting effort in the performance of an official duty. Additionally, holders of valid BLM permits, leases and authorizations are allowed to conduct approved activities, but are advised to take extra precautions to prevent fire starts.
“We encourage the public to enjoy their time on their public lands. Before leaving home, we suggest people become aware of restrictions that are in place for their safety and to prevent wildfires,” said Chris Barth, BLM Southwest District Public Information Officer. To determine fire restrictions throughout Colorado, please visit http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html.
For information on wildfires and restrictions in the area, call the Southwest District Fire Management Information line (970.240.1070), visit the MIFMU website (http://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/dispatch_centers/r2mtc/), or follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/SWD_Fire) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BLMMontroseFireUnit).
The Southwest District Fire Management program covers the BLM Colorado’s Southwest District and the Gunnison Field Office (BLM), the Uncompahgre Field Office (BLM), and Tres Rios Field Office (BLM) in the Colorado counties of Archuleta, Conejos, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mesa, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan and San Miguel.
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.