FIRE RESTRICTIONS INCREASE WEDNESDAY FOR FEDERAL
PUBLIC LANDS IN SOUTHEAST COLORADO
PUEBLO, Colo., June 20, 2006… Beginning Wednesday, June 21 at 8:00 a.m. MST, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be in effect on portions of public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Pike and San Isabel National Forests and Comanche National Grassland (PSICC) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office.
Basically, the Stage 2 Order prohibits open fires: campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves. Petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are allowed. Smoking, under Stage 2, is limited to an enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreation site or an area devoid of vegetation. Chainsaw use is not limited but welding and the use of a torch with open flame is banned. These Orders will stay in effect until rescinded.
NOTE: THESE RESTRICTIONS DO NOT ALWAYS MATCH COUNTY RESTRICTIONS. CHECK WITH LOCAL SHERIFF FOR RESTRICTIONS ON COUNTY AND PRIVATE LAND.
Both agencies have placed federal lands in Lake County under Stage 1 restrictions which allow open campfires only in developed campsites and outdoor smoking to an area 3-foot in diameter cleared of all vegetation.
Local fire managers say fire danger conditions are severe with live fuel moistures below normal, approaching drought conditions. For example, a dead log that is 6 inches in diameter is, in many cases, even drier than kiln-dried lumber. Moisture tests of large trees on the forest floor indicate they have far less than 10 percent.
Fireworks are illegal on federal public lands and the public is urged to leave fireworks at home.
Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by stiff fines or imprisonment, or both.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS
To view the Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire and smoking restrictions on-line as well as a state-wide list of restrictions, go to the web at:
