No fire restrictions for July 4 weekend, but caution urged
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Federal fire officials from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit encourage the public to be cautious with fire but will not initiate fire restrictions for the July 4 holiday.
For the first time in years, fuel conditions are favorable enough to avoid fire restrictions during the popular holiday on public lands that UCR provides fire management. UCR provides fire management to the White River National Forest, Colorado National Monument and Bureau of Land Management lands in Northwest Colorado in Mesa, Garfield, Pitkin, Summit, Eagle and portions of Rio Blanco counties.
“During most years at this time, we are already at critical levels for fire danger, especially at lower elevations, and institute fire restrictions,” said Chris Farinetti, UCR fire management officer. “Although fire danger is increasing, we are not at critical levels, and people recreating in these areas over the past few years have generally been safe and cautious with fire, so we are not initiating fire restrictions at this time.”
Moisture levels in large fuels are much higher than in previous years providing positive wildland fire outlooks. Fire officials caution that fine fuels, such as grass, have already dried and cured for the season. Fine fuels remain available for burning and could easily spread wildfire quickly.
“Lower fire danger doesn’t mean no danger, so people will still need to be vigilant, not only in their use of fire, but also with things like avoiding parking in dry grass,” Farinetti said.
“People using fireworks should avoid fine fuels and seek private property with plenty of protections from quick ignitions on fuels ready to burn,” said Farinetti. “Fireworks are illegal on federal lands in this area.”
For more information, contact Chris Joyner, (970) 210-2126.
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.