Stage 1 fire restrictions begin June 24 for all Bureau of Land Management public lands administered by the Gunnison Field Office within the boundaries of Gunnison, San Juan, and portions of Montrose, Ouray, Saguache and Hinsdale County.
The restrictions align with local orders and guidelines to protect the public’s safety during high fire danger.
“Wildfires are a natural part of healthy ecosystems, but they’ve become increasingly destructive in recent years” said acting Gunnison Field Manager Brady Owens. “These restrictions are being put in place due to the persistent drought, fire fighting resource availability and weather conditions in Southwest Colorado.”
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
- Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (i.e. a metal, inground containment structure – fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable)
- No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas.
- No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or in a barren area free of vegetation
- No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.
- No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except an area that has been cleared of vegetation.
- No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.
Stage 1 fire restrictions on these lands will become effective at 12:01 a.m., MDT, June 24, 2021, and will be in place until further notice. 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.
Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands. More information about fire prevention is available at:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/get-involved/fire-prevention.
