The Journal
Stage I fire restrictions will be lifted on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in the Tres Rios and Uncompahgre field offices effective Thursday.
This decision comes after Southwest Colorado received several days of persistent monsoon moisture. Stage I restrictions were implemented in both BLM field offices at the beginning of July, because of extended periods of hot and dry weather that increased fire danger.
Annual fire restrictions associated with the Durango Special Recreation Management Area remain in place for BLM lands in the greater Durango area within La Plata County, including the Grandview, Animas City Mountain and Skyline areas.
The recent precipitation helped to lower fire danger in most areas, but the public is advised to be cautious with activities that could potentially ignite a fire.
Fire officials remind visitors to practice fire safety:
Keep campfires small and under control.Ensure that campfires are dead out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.Keep a shovel and water nearby to douse escaped embers.Do not park or idle vehicles in tall dry grass; the heat from the vehicle can spark a wildfire.Do not allow chains to drag from vehicles or towed trailers.Fireworks are never allowed on federally managed lands.To determine where restrictions apply, check with local authorities online at www.colorado.gov/pacific/dfpc/fire-restriction-information and www.westslopefireinfo.com.
For more information, visit www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado.
