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Fire restrictions begin Friday, July 7, for BLM lands in White River Field Office

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BLM

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MEEKER, Colo. – On Friday, July 7, the White River Field Office will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions for all BLM-administered public lands within the field office. Fire managers make decisions about fire restrictions on moisture conditions and other risk factors such as predicted weather and current fire activity.

Restrictions are also in effect in Rio Blanco and Garfield counties. This implementation will also affect a small portion of Moffat County lands in the northwestern area of the White River Field Office.

The BLM will enforce the following 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.

Fireworks are always prohibited on BLM, National Forest and National Park Service lands.

Fire restrictions on these lands will be in place until further notice. Those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.

For more information about fire restrictions in these areas, go to: https://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/fire_restrictions.php.

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.