Fire restrictions on all National Forest System lands within the San Juan National Forest are rescinded, effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Widespread precipitation combined with cooler temperatures have lowered the risk of human-caused wildfire. While campfires are no longer restricted, hunters and recreationists are urged to continue to use caution.
Rescinding fire restrictions does not mean that fire danger has been eliminated. Rain is effective at improving the moisture content of light vegetation like grasses, but trees and shrubs require more consistent precipitation to recover from drought conditions. Precipitation has not reached all parts of the San Juan National Forest evenly, meaning fuels in some areas are still dry. More rain is expected in the coming week, but visitors should still be careful with fire.
Visitors are encouraged to practice these principles of outdoor fire safety:
• Clear all flammable material within 3 feet of campfire rings.
• Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Keep fires small and manageable.
• Extinguish fires completely. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Every campfire should be put dead out before leaving it.
Fall is a great time to implement Firewise principles around your property. Learn about defensive space around your home and get support from partners like Wildfire Adapted Partnership, Colorado State Forest Service and Fire Adapted Colorado, or by contacting our offices.
For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874 or visit the forest website.
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