Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin June 18, 2021
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo - The Mesa County Sheriff, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Fire Chiefs representing municipalities and fire protection districts of Mesa County are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 18th, 2021.
This applies to all of Mesa County including BLM-managed land. For fire restriction information on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, click here.
In 2020, three of the state’s largest wildfires on record burned including the Pine Gulch Fire in Mesa County. Since then, Mesa County’s drought conditions have only worsened. Mesa County is currently experiencing Exceptional and Extreme Drought conditions. Combined with recent dry and record hot temperatures, one spark has the potential to quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire.
“We are starting off fire season worse off than last year. The stage is set for a potentially longer duration and more hazardous fire season,” said Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Director Andy Martsolf. “This year more than ever, we need the community’s help to prevent fires. Together we can significantly reduce human-caused fires by being proactive and cautious with activities that could ignite a wildfire.”
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit:
- • Personal use of fireworks
- • Campfires outside of designated fire pits or fire rings
- • Agricultural open burning without a Sheriff’s issued burn permit
- • Use of explosive targets
- • Smoking outside near combustible materials
Agencies implement fire restrictions based on specific criteria to include the moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, and human risk factors. The data and potential for significant wildfires are balanced with the impacts on the community. The National Weather Service is forecasting above-average to record temperatures with no relief from rain anytime soon.
"As we enter the peak summer season with hotter and dryer conditions, we hope the public will remain vigilant and cautious while recreating on your public lands," stated Grand Junction Field Manager Greg Wolfgang.
In addition to adhering to fire restrictions, community members are asked to be aware of the fire danger when outdoors. A spark from a draining chain on a trailer, or even a hot exhaust pipe from a car parked in tall grass pose a significant fire risk. Also dispose of cigarettes properly and never leave a campfire unattended.
“Fire prevention is a community-wide endeavor, and we must all work together to prevent fires in Mesa County," said Grand Junction Fire Chief Ken Watkins. View the Interactive Fire Restrictions Map at bit.ly/Fire_Restrictions for the latest information on fire restrictions in Mesa County and surrounding communities.
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.