San Juan National Forest Fire Management Staff are implementing Stage I Fire Restrictions in lower elevations beginning at 12:01am today, Thursday, July 13. The minimum fine for violating campfire restrictions in Stage I is $530 in Colorado.
Fire restrictions will only be implemented in lower elevations to account for variable conditions across the forest. Low elevation areas (referred to as Zone I in the Forest Order) are more susceptible to wildfire risk due to rapid vegetation curing and dry surface fuels, while higher elevation areas (Zone II) are still green and maintaining higher fuel moisture.
The Stage 1 Fire Restrictions boundary is illustrated on the Forest Order maps (below) and follows major roadways and Designated Wilderness boundaries. All San Juan NF Wilderness Areas are excluded from Stage I Fire Restrictions. Click the map for a larger version.
Although Southwest Colorado experienced a wet winter and spring, pulling us out of our years-long drought and decreasing spring wildfire risk, vegetation is now drying out due to hot, dry weather, leading to wildfire conditions in the lower country that dictate the need for Stage I Fire Restrictions. This summer’s wildfire season is rated as “average,” across the San Juan NF, which still means there is large wildfire potential. The forests of Southwest Colorado are fire-adapted ecosystems, so even on average years wildfires historically occurred.
As we saw this summer on the Chris Mountain Fire on the Pagosa Ranger District, fires can grow hundreds of acres in a day even when vegetation is relatively wet.
Here’s a detail map of the Pagosa Springs area.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the San Juan National Forest PROHIBIT:
Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) except if it is in:
a) A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
b) A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
c) A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a). For chainsaw use a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) must be kept with the operator, and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.
Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
Temporary restrictions will remain in place until further notice and may be increased or reduced at any time due to changes in weather and fire danger. To learn more about fire restrictions, fuels management, and other wildfire related issues, visit our Fire Management webpage.
Fire Restrictions Do Not Prevent Wildfires. It is every forest visitor’s and camper’s responsibility to follow best practices, properly maintain and extinguish campfires to prevent wildfires. Violations are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or by imprisonment for not more than six months. Fire prevention and law enforcement will be patrolling, and anyone who violates Stage 1 restrictions will be ticketed.
To report a fire call 9-1-1. For more information, please contact the San Juan National Forest at (970) 247- 4874, or visit the forest website.
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