White River Field Office rescinds some fire restrictions
Organization
BLM Office:
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MEEKER, Colo. – The White River Field Office will rescind fire restrictions on BLM-managed lands in Rio Blanco and Garfield counties on Friday, October 30 at 12:01 a.m., while retaining Stage 1 restrictions in Moffat County. The Little Snake Field Office is staying in Stage 1 restrictions in Moffat and Routt counties, while the Kremmling Field Office is staying in Stage 2 restrictions in Larimer, Jackson and Grand counties and Stage 1 restrictions in Summit and Eagle counties.
“The recent storm helped reduce fire danger in western Colorado,” said White River Field Manager Kent Walter. “With hunting season and frigid outdoor temperatures upon us, I wanted to give visitors more options for staying warm. As always, visitors to public lands need to be careful using fires and be sure to extinguish with plenty of water before abandoning their campfires.”
“While the cold and snow have given us a reprieve from extreme fire behavior on multiple large fires in northern Colorado, we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Kremmling Field Manager Bill Mills. “This last storm didn’t carry as much moisture as we would have liked, and much of the snow that fell is evaporating before it melts, so it won’t help much with our extremely dry fuels. Along with my county partners, I am exercising an abundance of caution in the lowering of fire restrictions.” 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. (These are prohibited under Stage 2 restrictions.)
- 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.
BLM fire restriction orders and maps of restriction areas are available at Northwest District Fire Restrictions page. A full description of fire restriction stages 1 and 2 is available from the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center.
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.