Stage 1 fire restrictions placed on less elevated sections of the San Juan National Forest last month will apply to the entire forest beginning Friday.
The U.S. Forest Service made the announcement Wednesday afternoon, in lieu of recent wildfire activity and persistent severe fire weather conditions. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning earlier this week.
Severe drought, coupled with this week’s hot, dry, windy weather has created “severe fire weather potential,” according to fire managers with the Forest Service.
Any fire that begins in those conditions could exhibit extreme behavior that would create challenges for firefighters and aviation resources, according to the Forest Service.
Stage 1 restrictions prohibit any fires unless in a permanent fire pit or containment area built by the San Juan Forest Service, smoking, explosive use and welding. A more detailed list can be found at https://bit.ly/4ojajPD.
Enforcement officers will ticket anyone who violates the restrictions. Individuals may be fined up to $5,000, and organizations up to $10,000, and potentially face six-months imprisonment.
This year, 28 abandoned campfires have been found in the San Juan Forest.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
