Today, four districts on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands returned to Stage 1 fire restrictions.
Stage 1 fire restrictions apply to all public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service in the San Carlos, Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte Ranger Districts.
This order is in effect starting Thursday, Sept 10, 2020, and will remain in effect until it is superseded or rescinded, whichever comes first.
“For the safety of the public and our employees, it is important to remain vigilant regarding the use of campfires even as the weather and seasons change suddenly,” said David Condit, deputy forest and grassland supervisor. “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, do any blasting, welding or operate acetylene or other open flame torches without an approved spark arresting device and a fire extinguisher. Visitors may not 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 restriction and will find any additional fire restrictions implemented by counties adjacent to Forest Service lands in Colorado and Kansas.
For more information on fire restrictions, please visit the interactive fire restriction map.
For more fire resources, please visit the U.S. Forest Service website.
