Order #2020-26 Stage 2 Fire Restriction
FOREST ORDER USDA
FOREST SERVICE PIKE AND SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS
San Carlos, South Platte, South Park, Pikes Peak Ranger Districts STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands within the San Carlos, South Platte, South Park and Pikes Peak Ranger Districts of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands located within Douglas, Jefferson, Park, Teller, El Paso, Fremont, Pueblo, Custer, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties, State of Colorado, ("the Restricted Area") and on all roads and trails located with the Restricted Area ("the Restricted Roads and Trails"), as shown on the attached map.
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health, safety, and natural resources by preventing wildfires.
PROHIBITIONS:
This Order prohibits the following acts in the Restricted Area:
1) Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including fires in developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas), charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves. 36 CFR § 261.52(a).
2) Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building. 36 CFR § 261.52(c).
3) Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR § 261.52(i).
4) Operating or using any internal combustion engine without an effective and properly installed USDA- or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)- approved spark arrestor. 36 CFR § 261.52(j).
5) Operating a chainsaw without an effective and properly installed USDA- or SAE- approvedspark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum of 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) kept with the operator and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. 36 CFR § 261.52(h).
6) Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition. 36 CFR § 261.52(b).
7) Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle. 36 CFR § 261.56.
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from specified Prohibitions of this Order:
1) Persons with the following authorizations are exempt from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7: (i) a valid Forest Service permit or contract specifically authorizing Prohibitions #1, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 in the Restricted Area in their physical possession and (ii) a written exemption with an appropriate mitigation plan authorized in writing by the appropriate Forest Service official.
2) Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty is exempt from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7.
3) Persons using pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with shut-off valves in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials are exempt from Prohibition #1.
4) Residents, owners or lessees within the Restricted Area, who are using a fire in a permanent dwelling with an effective and properly installed USDA- or SAE- approved spark arrestor, are exempt from Prohibition #1.
Notice regarding Exemptions: Holders of valid Forest Service permits, leases and authorizations and all other persons are on notice that when proceeding with activities that are authorized pursuant to these Exemptions, such persons are responsible for conducting authorized activities in a safe and prudent manner using extra precautions and are electing to proceed at their own risk. An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for damage, injury or loss to the United States for any fire started while undertaking the exempted activity.
This Order supplements Order 2020-20, issued May 29, 2020.
This Order will be in effect from the date it is signed and will remain in force until superseded or rescinded, whichever event occurs first.
Executed in Pueblo Colorado
Shared via Mountain Communities Volunteer Fire Department:
In addition to the Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, USFS has placed target shooting restrictions in the Pike National Forest for the Pikes Peak, South Platte, and South Park districts. LEOs have been issuing tickets for violations within Turkey Tracks. Please share this information within your shooting groups. We expect these restrictions to lift once fire conditions improve.
