La Plata County will move from stage 1 to stage 2 fire restrictions on Friday at the request of the county’s four fire chiefs.
As Colorado remains in a moderate to severe drought and weather projections continue to forecast hot, dry and windy conditions, there is serious risk of fire ignition and rapid subsequent spread, according to a news release from the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office.
Stage 2 restrictions prohibit open burning, burn barrels and agricultural burning; any campfire, stove fire; most welding, pipe fitting, metal grinding; operation of a torch with open flame; and discharging of firearms. There are several exceptions to the restrictions and a more detailed explanation can be found at bit.ly/4vwBc5l.
The restrictions apply to all unincorporated areas of the county and all lands excluding those private lands in the Towns of Bayfield and Ignacio, the City of Durango, or any Federal or Tribal lands.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe declared its own stage 2 fire restrictions earlier last week, which went into effect June 19.
Stage 2 restrictions can vary between government entities, so residents should reach out to the applicable agency if any questions arise.
Both SUIT and the county said restrictions will remain in place until conditions change for the better, or for the worse.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
