Stage 1 fire restrictions go into effect across northwest Colorado
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CRAIG, Colo. - Stage 1 fire restrictions begin Wednesday, June 16 for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered lands in Grand, Jackson, Eagle, Summit, Larimer, Moffat, and Rio Blanco counties along with the lands in Kremmling, White River and Little Snake Field Offices.
Recent hot and windy conditions across northwest Colorado have dried out fuels, while thunderstorms have delivered lightning with little or no moisture.
Based on these recent conditions, officials decided to implement stage 1 fire restrictions beginning June 16.
“High temperatures and dry conditions have resulted in high fire danger throughout our area,” said BLM Fire Management Officer Jim Michaels.
The BLM will enforce the following temporary restrictions on all BLM public lands under stage 1 fire restrictions until further notice:
- No fires of any type, including charcoal. Stoves fueled by liquid petroleum or gas are allowed.
- No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building or in a barren area free of vegetation.
- No operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed, a working chemical fire extinguisher, and a round point shovel.
- No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.
- No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame.
- No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order.
These new stage 1 fire restrictions will be in conjunction with restrictions that begin this week in northwest Colorado’s National Forests including Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and portions of the Arapaho National Forest.
Stage 1 fire restrictions only allow campfires in developed recreation sites, such as formal campgrounds or picnic areas where permanent fire grates are installed. In these areas, people must monitor their fire at all times, and a have shovel and plenty of water available to put it out – the fire is out when coals are cold to the touch. Additionally, people should avoid parking in tall, dry grass; equipment should have working spark arresters, and trailers should be inspected to ensure chains are not dragging.
Maps and fire restriction orders are available at Northwest District Fire Restrictions | Bureau of Land Management (blm.gov) or Craig Interagency Dispatch Center (CRC) - Incident Business Management (nifc.gov). General information about fire restrictions in Colorado is available at http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html.
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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.