Beginning today, 6/14, the Bureau of land Management, Royal Gorge Field Office will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions on all BLM-managed public lands in Boulder, Gilpin, and Lake Counties.
Also beginning today are Stage 2 fire restrictions on BLM lands in Chafee, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas, and Pueblo Counties.
As of June 11th, Stage 1 restrictions are also in effect for Jefferson County.
The BLM said the restrictions are based on current fire danger and predicted weather conditions for the affected areas.
Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, the following activities are not allowed:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, any type of charcoal-fueled broiler or open fire of any type; EXCEPT in BLM-developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and only in BLM-provided, manufactured fire grates and grills.
- Smoking, EXCEPT within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
Under Stage 2 fire restrictions, all Stage 1 restrictions are in effect. In addition, the following activities are not allowed:
- Welding or operating an acetylene or other type of torch that produces an open flame capable of igniting flammable material.
- Operating a chain saw without a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8-ounce capacity by weight, and one Size 0 or larger round pointed shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches readily available.
The following is still allowed on all BLM-managed lands:
- Using cooking stoves, lanterns, and other appliances fueled by liquid petroleum or bottled fuels that are equipped with an on-off valve for the flame.
For more information about fire restrictions on other (non-BLM) lands in your area, please contact the local county sheriff’s office.
