The U.S. Department of Agriculture and San Juan National Forest issued a news release Friday to remind those with Fourth of July plans that wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility.
The public is urged to follow Stage 2 fire restrictions and be careful with combustible materials to prevent human-caused fires and are reminded that fireworks are prohibited on federal lands.
Open flames, which includes campfires, stove fires, charcoal grills and barbecues, coal- and wood-burning stoves and lanterns or other devices that use liquid fuel like white gas or kerosene, are prohibited in wilderness areas, camping and picnic grounds and dispersed campsites. A compressed gas – propane or butane – stove that can be turned on and off is the only way to cook food.
Law enforcement is heightened this year. A violation of Stage 2 fire restrictions or entering a closed area will result in a mandatory appearance in federal court and is a Class B misdemeanor, which can impose $5,000 fines for individuals or $10,000 fines for organizations, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
To view fire restrictions in Colorado, visit www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html.
To report a fire on federal lands, call 385-1324.
