Fire bans have been lifted for Montezuma County, the San Juan National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management.
But officials urge caution because Southwest Colorado continues to experience severe and extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Montezuma County banned fires April 20. The county lifted the bans Aug. 11 “with the understanding that our citizens and visitors will be cautious and responsible with open fires and maintain control of all fires to prevent them from becoming out of control,” said Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin.
The San Juan National Forest and BLM lifted fire restrictions July 30.
The majority of the forest received measurable rainfall, and fire danger has moderated, forest officials said. Forest visitors may use a campfire, but with extreme caution.
In spite of rain and increased humidity, officials reminded visitors to practice fire safety.
“Fire danger is now moderate, but forest visitors still need to take action to prevent unwanted fire,” said forest fire officer Richard Bustamante. “Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
The Tres Rios and Uncompahgre field offices of the BLM also lifted fire restrictions on July 30.
The decision came after Southwest Colorado received several days of persistent monsoonal moisture, according to a press release.
The precipitation helped to lower fire danger in most areas, but the public was advised to be cautious with activities that could potentially ignite a fire.
“We encourage the public to enjoy their public lands, as well as to respect the land by being careful with fire and by using ‘Leave No Trace’ practices,” said Amy Carmichael, acting BLM Uncompahgre field manager.
More than 61% of Colorado is experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Montezuma and Dolores counties are in the “severe drought” category, and La Plata County is under “extreme drought.”
Controlled burns allowedControlled burns are allowed in Montezuma County, but Cortez Dispatch must be contacted first, said Nowlin.
Any control burn requires the property owner or agent to call Cortez Dispatch at (970) 565-8454 before burning to verify there is no red flag weather or high wind warning the day of the controlled burn.
The Sheriff’s Office offers the following guidelines for safe burning:
Watch weather reports and do not burn on high-risk days.Contact the local fire district or the Sheriff’s Office for how to prepare a safe controlled burn.Keep controlled burn piles small to ensure a shorter burning time.Plan to start your burn during early morning hours while temperatures are cooler.Clear an area of 20 feet in diameter around a burn pile.Burn in a pit at least 3 feet in depth to help control ash and embers.Have a fire mitigation plan that includes hand tools, shovels, plenty of water, and fire extinguisher. Keep the fire under control art all times, and do not leave the fire unattended. Make sure fire is dead out when completed.All fireworks that explode or leave the ground are prohibited by Colorado law.
