Pueblo, Colo., Oct. 10, 2024— Today all districts on the Pike National Forest went into Stage 1 fire restrictions with an emergency recreational shooting closure which applies to all public lands managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service in the Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte ranger districts. This order went in effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, and will remain in effect until it is superseded or rescinded, whichever comes first. Under Stage 1 fire restrictions forest visitors may only smoke in an enclosed vehicle, in a building, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. In addition, visitors may only build or maintain fires and use charcoal in permanent fire pits or fire grates in a developed recreation site, where fees are charged. Visitors cannot operate a chainsaw without an approved spark arresting device, fire extinguisher and round nosed shovel available; nor do any blasting, welding, or operate acetylene or other torches. Visitors may not use open flame torches or explosives, including fireworks or incendiary ammunition.
The order also restricts recreational shooting, including the discharging of a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, unless the person has a current and valid State hunting license and is actively involved in hunting during an open season pursuant to that license.
“It is important we take these steps in order to ensure the safety of visitors who are recreating on the forests as we head into a holiday weekend under very dry conditions. We appreciate everyone’s support in helping to reduce the risk of high-severity wildfires. Please recreate safely this weekend and throughout the season,” said James Pitts, Deputy Forest and Grassland Supervisor for the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. See Forest Closure Order #02-12-00-24-31 and map for Stage 1 Fire Restriction & emergency recreational shooting for full list of prohibited acts and permitted activities.
Because the restrictions are enforceable by a fine or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both, forest visitors are responsible to ensure they understand the restriction and will find any additional fire restrictions implemented by counties adjacent to Forest Service lands in Colorado here. For more information on fire restrictions, please visit the interactive fire restriction map here. Follow the PSICC on X and Facebook for up-to-date information about the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. For more fire resources, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/psicc/fire/?cid=fseprd667411.
