On Wednesday, all fire restrictions were terminated for the Pike National Forest.
The U.S. Forest Service said the decision to lift the restrictions was made using fire restriction evaluation guidelines that examine variable such as precipitation, wind events, relative humidity levels, temperatures, expected weather patterns, fuel dryness, drought conditions, and lack of firefighting resources.
Recent weather conditions have brought monsoon moisture and higher humidity to the area, reducing fire danger. The USFS also said predicted weather forecasts call for continued monsoonal rainfall throughout the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, as well as the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. Fuel moisture measured by wildland fire managers also shows a downward trend in fire danger throughout the area.
Campfire are once again allowed in the National Forest, but campers are urged to keep fires small and tend them carefully. Extinguished campfires must be cold to the touch.
Pike & San Isabel NFs no longer have fire restrictions. Moisture/high humidity lowered fire danger. Enjoy campfires but follow the rules. Never leave a campfire unattended – even for a minute. To extinguish-drown with water, stir with shovel and make sure it’s cold to the touch.
— USFS_Pike&San Isabel (@PSICC_NF) July 26, 2018
You can learn how to properly start and extinguish a campfire here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mlsuIQ96oo
For current fire restrictions across Colorado: www.coemerency.com
