BLM Lifts Fire Restrictions in South-Central Colorado Counties
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
CAÑON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is lifting fire restrictions on BLM-administered lands in the San Luis Valley and Royal Gorge field offices in southern and central Colorado effective today, October 24. Recent snows and cooler temperatures have lessened the fire danger throughout the region.
Fire restrictions were enacted on BLM lands in nine Colorado counties on October 4 after a prolonged period of drier and warmer weather coupled with an extended forecast of critical fire weather conditions. These restrictions applied to BLM-managed lands in Lake, Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Teller, Park, El Paso, Saguache, and Alamosa counties. Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions have been lifted for these counties effective 12:00 p.m. today.
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 Front Range Fire Management Officer Ty Webb. “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 in these counties, counties may still have restrictions in place. Users are encouraged to check with local authorities to determine where restrictions may apply.
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.