BLM lifts fire restrictions on Gunnison County BLM lands
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Gunnison, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is lifting fire restrictions on BLM-administered lands in Gunnison County effective Friday, July 24, 2020.
Fire restrictions were enacted on BLM lands in Gunnison County on July 8 after a prolonged period of drier and warmer weather coupled with a delayed arrival of the southwestern monsoons. These restrictions applied only to BLM-managed lands in Gunnison County. Fire restrictions have been lifted effective 12:01 a.m. on July 24.
While fire danger is lower with the recent change in weather, fire officials still urge the public to be cautious with fire on BLM-managed lands. “A lower fire danger doesn’t mean no fire danger,” said BLM Gunnison Field Manager Elijah Waters. “Conditions vary by day and by location, we urge the public to be careful with fire and use common sense.”
Fire officials remind visitors to practice fire safety:
- Keep campfires small and under control.
- Ensure that campfires are dead out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
- Keep a shovel and water nearby to douse escaped embers.
- Do not park or idle vehicles in tall dry grass. The heat from the vehicle can spark a wildfire.
- Do not allow chains to drag from vehicles or towed trailers.
- Fireworks are never allowed on federally managed lands.
While restrictions have been lifted for BLM lands, Gunnison County and the US Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests may still have restrictions in place. Public lands users are encouraged to check with local authorities to determine where restrictions may apply.
More information on BLM fire restrictions for the Gunnison Field Office can be found at the Rocky Mountain District Fire Restrictions webpage or by calling the field office at (970) 642-4940. Regional fire restriction information can be found at the West Slope Fire Info webpage.
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.