http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news- ... RDB5362933
Fire Restrictions Planned for Thursday
Fort Collins, Colo. (April 11, 2012) – Due to unusually warm and dry conditions for this time of year, fire restrictions are planned to start Thursday for National Forest System lands on the Boulder, Canyon Lakes and Clear Creek Ranger Districts on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.
“On these three district the indices indicate the need for fire restrictions,” Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland Forest Supervisor Glenn Casamassa said. “We are also doing this in cooperation with many Front Range counties in similar restrictions.”
These Stage 1 fire restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have and are in place until rescinded. Within the fire restriction area, forest visitors cannot:
· Build or maintain a fire or use charcoal, coal, or wood stoves, except within a developed recreation site (e.g., campgrounds where fees are charged).
· Use explosives, including fireworks.
· Smoke, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials.
· Possess or use a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within ten feet of the roadway or parking overnight in a developed campground or trailhead.
· Weld or operate an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
· Use any internal or external combustion engine (including chainsaws) without a spark arresting devise properly working.
These restrictions include no discharging firearms on National Forest System lands in the geographic area encompassed on the west by State Highways 7 and 72; on the north by the Boulder County line; east by the National Forest boundary; and the south by State Highway 72. Any person possessing a valid Colorado hunting license lawfully involved in hunting and harvesting game is exempt from the shooting restriction.
“This particular area has a high concentration of use and is an avenue for us to limit another potential ignition source,” Casamassa said.
Not complying with this order could result in a minimum fine of $300, but could be more, or a mandatory Federal Magistrate Court appearance. If responsible for causing a wildfire, one could be held accountable for suppression costs of that fire.
Forest Service staff will continue to monitor conditions and consider the variety of options to address those conditions, including additional restrictions if weather remains dry and lessening or rescinding restriction if a rainy weather pattern starts. To view the fire restriction order, go to
http://www.fs.usda.gov/arp
. They will be listed in the “Alerts and Notices” box on the right after it goes into effect. Please note that many counties are also under fire restrictions; information is available at
http://www.cofireban.info/
.
