National Forest fire restrictions begin today in portions of northern Front Range
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (July 2, 2024) – Due to the forecast of continuing dry and warm conditions as well as increasing fire activity across the region and nation, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland has enacted
Stage 1 fire restrictions
on national forest lands and grassland in Clear Creek, Gilpin, Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties beginning today, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Stage 1 fire restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have.
“When we consider fire restrictions, we consult with our county partners and rely on environmental factors to assesses a variety of conditions, including fuel moistures and long-term weather forecasts. We also consider local firefighter staffing and firefighting resource demands for wildfires across the zone, region, and country,” said Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest Fire and Aviation Staff Officer Cody Peel. “National Forest visitors can still have campfires in Forest Service developed recreation sites, but Forest visitors need to make sure to never leave a campfire unattended. Keep all campfires contained within the agency provided metal or concrete fire rings and always fully extinguish the campfire with large amounts of water, until all of the coals are out cold.”
The following is PROHIBITED under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a developed campground or recreation site with established forest service fire rings or grills.
Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Operating a chainsaw without an effective and properly installed spark arrestor, a fire extinguisher kept with the operator, and a shovel.
Blasting, welding, or operating a torch with an open flame without being in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and having a fire extinguisher kept with the operator.
Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands.
The following activities and uses are ALLOWED under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
Open fires contained in permanently constructed metal or concrete fire pits and/or charcoal grills that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
Liquid or gas fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices with on/off switches on surfaces clear of flammable vegetation.
Violation of Stage 1 fire restrictions could result in a maximum fine of $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for more than six months, or both. If responsible for causing a wildfire, one could be held accountable for suppression costs of that fire.
Be sure to visit the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland’s Know Before You Go page to see the fire restrictions order and other useful information to help plan your trip.
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