CAÑON CITY, Colo. (KOAA) — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office has issued Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for all BLM-administered public lands within the following counties;
- Baca, Bent, Crowley, Custer, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero, Park, Powers, Pueblo, and Teller counties
The restrictions will be in effect until further notice. The restrictions come because of dry conditions and high fire danger.
“Given the dry and windy conditions we’re experiencing, entering Stage 1 fire restrictions is a necessary step to reduce the risk of wildfires in our area."
“We’re asking everyone to stay alert and be mindful of their actions when outdoors. A single spark can lead to a dangerous situation, and your caution helps protect local communities, firefighters, and our public lands.”
Royal Gorge Field Manager Doug Mayes
According to the BLM, the restrictions prohibit the following;
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites. Devices using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE-approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
- Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
- Using exploding targets.
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