Fire Restrictions Lifted In San Isabel National Forest

Posted By: Terry West July 31, 2020

The Forest Service has terminated fire restrictions for San Isabel National Forest.

The recent moisture and change in conditions have allowed us to ease some of the fire restrictions that are in place however, these changes vary depending on local conditions.

Effective immediately, fire restrictions have been reduced from Stage 2 to Stage 1 for the Pike National Forest and the San Carlos Ranger District of the San Isabel National Forest.

All fire restrictions on the Salida and Leadville Ranger Districts of the San Isabel National Forest and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands have been terminated.

The decision for the changes were made after evaluating the fire restriction guidelines. The criteria for determining the need for fire restrictions is done by examining many variables such as precipitation, wind events, relative humidity levels, temperatures, expected weather patterns, fuel dryness, drought conditions and lack of firefighting resources.

Fire and smoking restrictions are still in place on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) located on the Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts of the Pike National Forest and the San Carlos Ranger District of the San Isabel National Forest. Restrictions will remain in effect until December 31, 2020 or until they are rescinded. 

The most notable restriction that remains is a restriction on campfires. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited except for fires in Forest Service installed fire grates in developed sites such as a campground where fees are charged. This prohibition includes but is not limited to, charcoal grills, hibachis, and coal or wood-burning stoves. Visitors may continue to use petroleum fuel devices as long as it has an on and off switch.

Even with the change in restrictions, visitors should be aware of weather conditions and be careful with the use of fire outdoors. These restrictions can change again as the weather pattern changes and we ask that visitors check with their local U.S. Forest Service and county offices or go to the web to learn about specific restrictions.

Terry West
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