Stage 2 fire restrictions now in place for public lands in 11 southern Colorado counties
CAÑON CITY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office entered Stage 2 fire restrictions Thursday, May 19.
The fire restrictions apply to all BLM-administered public lands within the boundaries of:
- Park County
- Teller County
- El Paso County
- Fremont County
- Custer County
- Pueblo County
- Otero County
- Bent County
- Huerfano County
- Las Animas county
- Baca County
“Wildfire ignitions in south-central Colorado are increasing, and the draw of resources to large fires in New Mexico is limiting availability of firefighters and equipment for fire suppression,” said Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger in a press release. “Due to continued dry conditions and high fire danger, I am elevating fire restrictions on BLM lands in certain southern Colorado counties to Stage 2.”
According to the BLM, the following acts are prohibited under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grills are prohibited on federal lands. The use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 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 torches with open flame.
- Using exploding targets.
The BLM says these fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Colorado:
- Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
- Possession, discharge, or use of any fireworks.
- Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
- Burn, ignite, or cause to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
- Operate 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).
According to the BLM, Lake and Chaffee counties will remain in Stage 1 restrictions at this time. However, fire officials plan to meet Thursday to determine if conditions warrant elevating to Stage 2 in those areas.
For more information about BLM Colorado Fire restrictions click here.
For general information about fire restrictions on all lands in Colorado, click here.
