Mixed bag of Stage 1 and 2 fire restrictions in Northwest Colorado
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SILT, Colo. – As a result of recent cooler weather and increased moisture, the BLM’s Colorado River Valley Field Office and the Eagle County portion of the Kremmling Field Office, along with Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin Counties will revert from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday September 18.
“As fire restrictions are scaled back to Stage 1, public land visitors are asked to be cautious with fires in places where they are allowed,” said Colorado River Valley Field Manager Larry Sandoval. “Large fires in Colorado and across the west are still impacting availability of firefighting resources, so we urge everyone to do their part to prevent human-caused fires. Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit the following acts:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within approved fire grates at developed recreation sites.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of flammable materials.
- Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved, working spark arrestor and properly installed, a chemical fire extinguisher of at least 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round-point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
- Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical fire extinguisher of at least 8 ounces capacity.
- Using exploding targets.
White River, Little Snake, and Kremmling Field Offices in Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Summit counties will remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions. The need for and level of fire restrictions are evaluated each week. Decisions are based on local conditions, including recent and predicted weather, drought, occurrence of human-caused fires, fuel moisture, likelihood of ignition, and whether existing fires are currently affecting availability of wildland firefighting resources.
BLM fire restriction orders and maps of restriction areas are available at Northwest District Fire Restrictions page. General information about fire restrictions throughout Colorado is available at http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html.
Fire restrictions will be in place until further notice. In addition to criminal penalties, those found responsible for starting wildfires may also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.
BLM
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.