The Bureau of Land Management has shifted from Stage II to Stage I fire restrictions on public lands within Montezuma, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral and Archuleta counties. Additionally, fire restrictions on public lands within San Juan and Hinsdale Counties are rescinded.
Recent moisture events allowed us to reinstate less stringent fire restrictions, said Lori Armstrong, BLM Southwest district manager. We encourage the public to remain cautious and follow Stage I restrictions, where in place, while enjoying their public lands.
The following acts are prohibited:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a campfire, coal or wood-burning stove, charcoal-fueled broiler, or open fire of any type, except in a permanent constructed fire pit or grate within a developed campground or recreation site.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed recreation site or while stopped in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Using any explosive or incendiary device (such as fireworks or blasting caps) that could result in the ignition of flammable material.
Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a properly installed and maintained spark-arresting device in effective working order that meets appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practices (J335(b) and J350(a)).
The following acts are permitted:
Building, maintaining, and attending a fire in a permanent constructed fire pit or grate within a developed campground or recreation site.
Operating a stove, lantern, or other heating device fueled by liquid petroleum or bottled fuel equipped with a valve that allows the operator to turn the flame on and off.
Smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building or a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
Operating or using an internal or external combustion engine with a properly installed and maintained spark-arresting device in effective working order that meets appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practices (J335(b) and J350(a)).
Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty and persons with a BLM-issued permit specifically authorizing an otherwise prohibited act are exempt from this order. An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.
For more information, go to http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/district_offices/southwest.html#Restrictions.