A number of area agencies have implemented fire restrictions due to high fire danger, with those restrictions taking effect Tuesday, July 1.
Anyone looking to recreate, especially on public land in the area, should check restrictions for that area.
Archuleta County Sheriff Mike Le Roux reported Wednesday morning that Archuleta County is not enacting fire restrictions at this time, but indicated the agency continues to monitor conditions.
Those entering into restrictions include the U.S. Forest Service San Juan National Forest, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and La Plata County.
San Juan National Forest
San Juan National Forest fire management staff implemented Stage I fire restrictions in lower-elevation areas on July 1.
According to the agency, the minimum fine for violating campfire restrictions in Stage I is $530 in Colorado.
A press release on the restrictions notes that fire restrictions will only be implemented in lower elevations to account for variable conditions across the forest.
“Low elevation areas (referred to as Zone I in the Forest Order) are more susceptible to wildfire risk due to rapid vegetation curing and dry surface fuels, while higher elevation areas (Zone II) are still green and maintaining higher fuel moistures,” the press release notes.
The Stage 1 restrictions boundary is illustrated on the order maps and follows major roadways and designated wilderness boundaries. All San Juan National Forest wilderness areas are excluded from Stage I fire restrictions, according to the press release.
“Although Southwest Colorado experienced several rain events late this spring, vegetation is now drying out due to hot, dry weather, leading to wildfire conditions in the lower country that dictate the need for Stage I Fire Restrictions,” the press release explains. “This summer’s wildfire season is rated as ‘average,’ across the San Juan [National Forest], which still means there is large wildfire potential. The forests of Southwest Colorado are fire-adapted ecosystems, so even on average years wildfires historically occurred.”
Stage 1 fire restrictions on the San Juan National Forest prohibit:
1. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in:
• A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
• A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet of the device; or
• A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least 5 feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a one-quarter inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
2. Using an explosive.
3. Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
4. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8-ounce capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.
Temporary restrictions will remain in place until further notice, and may be increased or reduced at any time due to changes in weather and fire danger.
To learn more about fire restrictions, fuels management, and other wildfire related issues, visit www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/fire.
The agency also notes that fire restrictions do not prevent wildfires.
“It is every forest visitor’s and camper’s responsibility to follow best practices, properly maintain and extinguish campfires to prevent wildfires. Violations are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or by imprisonment for not more than six months. Fire prevention and law enforcement will be patrolling, and anyone who violates Stage 1 restrictions will be ticketed,” the press release states.
To report a fire, call 911. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874 or visit the forest website.
BLM
Stage 1 fire restrictions began on July 1 for all public lands administered by the BLM Tres Rios Field Office within the boundaries of Archuleta, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan and San Miguel counties, and the of Canyon of the Ancients National Monument.
“The fire danger indices within the Tres Rios Field Office are at very high to extreme” said Southwest District Fire Management Officer Rusty Stark. “These restrictions are being put in place due to the persistent drought and weather conditions.”
Under the BLM’s Stage 1 fire restrictions:
• Campfires are only allowed within an agency-provided fire grate at developed recreation sites. Devices using gas, petroleum jelly or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted. Fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable.
• No fires of any type, including charcoal, are allowed outside of developed areas.
• There is no smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in a barren area free of vegetation.
• There is no use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.
• No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame is allowed except an area that has been cleared of vegetation.
• No operation of any internal combustion engine is allowed without a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.
Stage 1 fire restrictions on these lands will be in place until rescinded.
The agency notes in a press release, “Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.”
The fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Colorado, which include prohibitions on:
• Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
• Possession, discharge or use of any fireworks.
• Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
• Burning, igniting or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
• Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c).
• Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
More information about fire prevention is available at www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/get-involved/fire-prevention.
randi@pagosasun.com
