Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been imposed for all districts on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.
Today, four districts on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands entered Stage 1 fire restrictions which apply to all public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service in the Leadville and Salida Ranger Districts and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. The San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions.
This order is in effect Friday, August 21, 2020, and will remain in effect until it is superseded or rescinded, whichever comes first.
“With wildfire resources engaged in multiple fires across Colorado and the nation, we make this decision deliberately to protect public and firefighter safety, property, and your National Forests and Grasslands,” said Diana M. Trujillo, forest and grassland supervisor. “We ask that all of our visitors recreate responsibly and respect the restrictions. We are continuing to monitor the situation and as conditions change, restrictions will be adjusted.”
Dispersed camp sites on the South Platte Ranger District including those on Rampart Range Road, Rim Road, Jackson Creek Road, Dakan Road, and the area known as Dutch Fred are considered undeveloped campsites for the purpose of this order.
Under Stage 1 fire restrictions forest visitors may only smoke in a vehicle or building, and only build or maintain fires and use charcoal in permanent fire pits or fire grates in a developed recreation site, for example in a campground where fees are charged. Visitors cannot operate a chainsaw without an approved spark arresting device and a fire extinguisher. Visitors may not use welding machines or other open flame torches, or use explosives, including fireworks.
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 full restriction and will find any additional fire restrictions implemented by counties adjacent to Forest Service lands in Colorado here and Kansas here. For more information on fire restrictions, please visit the interactive fire restriction map here. For more fire resources, please visit our website.
