By Lorena Williams
San Juan National Forest Fire Management Staff are implementing Stage I Fire Restrictions in lower elevations beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 22 (see full Forest Order and maps for details). The minimum fine for violating campfire restrictions in Stage I is $530 in Colorado. Fire restrictions will only be implemented at 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 and follows major roadways and Designated Wilderness boundaries. All San Juan NF Wilderness Areas are currently excluded from Stage I Fire Restrictions.
Fire restrictions do not prevent wildfires — you do! It is every forest visitor’s and camper’s responsibility to follow best practices, properly maintain and extinguish campfires to prevent wildfires. Fire prevention and law enforcement will be patrolling, and anyone who violates Stage 1 restrictions will be ticketed.
Although Southwest Colorado experienced several rain events late this spring, vegetation is rapidly drying out due to hot, dry weather, leading to considerable wildfire conditions in much of the lower country. Fire danger at lower elevations (below 8,000 feet) is averaged on the San Juan National Forest, where generally, peak “green up” (when grasses and shrubs reach peak moisture content) occurred around May 14. This vegetation has begun a rapid drying trend. Recent precipitation was not widespread, though it did stall the drying trend in localized areas. For example, 1/4 inch of rain fell northwest of Dolores, allowing fire managers to conduct the Salter-Carlyle Prescribed Fire on Wednesday.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the San Juan National Forest PROHIBIT:
1.Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in:
- 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);
- 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
- 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.
2. Using an explosive.
3. Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site.
4. 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.
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 information webpage.
To report a fire, call 9-1-1. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, pr visit the forest website.
Lorena Williams writes for the San Juan National Forest.