On Tuesday, Sept. 15, the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and Town of Pagosa Springs announced that their respective Stage 1 fire restrictions would be rescinded effective immediately.
The San Juan National Forest followed on Sept. 16, lifting fire restrictions effective immediately on all National Forest System lands within the San Juan National Forest.
The town’s move applies to lands within the Town of Pagosa Springs, while the ACSO’s applies to all unincorporated areas within Archuleta County.
“Widespread precipitation combined with cooler temperatures have lowered the risk of human-caused wildfire,” a U.S. Forest Service press release states. “While campfires are no longer restricted, hunters and recreationists are urged to continue to use caution.”
All three agencies urge residents to continue to be aware and prioritize safety.
“Rescinding fire restrictions does not mean that fire danger has been eliminated,” the Forest Service states. “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.”
“While fire restrictions have been lifted, officials remind the public that wildfire danger can change rapidly in Southwest Colorado,” the ACSO’s statement notes.
The agencies urge the following outdoor fire safety measures:
• Check the weather. Never burn during windy conditions or when a red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service.
• Never leave fires aunattended. Always ensure campfires and burn piles are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving the area.
• 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.
• Keep fires small and manageable.
• Obtain required permits. Burn permits can be obtained through the Pagosa Fire Protection District or Los Pinos Fire Protection District based on which district you reside within.
“Even with restrictions lifted, fire safety remains a shared responsibility,” the town’s press release states. “The Town encourages everyone to stay aware of current conditions and use extra caution to help protect the community and surrounding public lands.”
The Forest Service also notes, “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 additional information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan.
randi@pagosasun.com
>