PUEBLO, Colo., June 28, 2007 - If you are going out of town during the 4th of July Holiday, leave the fireworks at home and be careful with fire. The Pike & San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC), are urging all visitors to public lands to be cautious with fire while enjoying the upcoming holiday.

Our heavy rainfall received earlier this year encouraged vigorous plant growth. Although the total rainfall for the season is a bit above average, recent high temperatures and low humidity levels have left trees, shrubs and grasses dried out and ready to burn. A wildfire under these circumstances can rapidly spread into our forests, grasslands and homes.

U.S. Forest Service officials welcome and encourage visitors to the public lands during the 4th of July holiday, but do it without fireworks. Using or even possessing (possessing means on person or in vehicle on National Forest Lands) fireworks is illegal on all public lands administered by the Forest Service and State of Colorado. Anyone responsible for starting a wildland fire may be held accountable for the cost of putting it out and for the damage caused by the fire.

In addition to not using or possessing fireworks, there are other things you can do to prevent fires this 4th of July.

• clear the brush around campfire rings,
• make sure campfires are dead out before leaving them,
• smoke only in cleared areas,
• avoid parking and driving in grassy areas.

Check with your local officials for any fire restrictions which may be in place BEFORE lighting a fire.