The San Juan National Forest and the La Plata County will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Friday to mitigate against the increased wildfire danger posed by the hot, dry weather.
Vegetation in lower-elevation areas is rapidly drying out, creating elevated fire risk across much of the lower country, according to a Wednesday news release from the San Juan National Forest Service.
The Forest Service restrictions apply only to lower elevation, Zone 1 areas – some of the land within Forest Service boundaries 8,000 feet or below – because conditions vary significantly by elevation. Lower elevations are drying out more quickly, while higher-elevation vegetation is retaining moisture and poses less wildfire risk.
Congressionally designated wilderness areas like Lizard Head, Hermosa and Weminuche Wilderness are exempt from the order. Exact Zone 1 boundary designations can be found on the Temporary Fire Restriction Map at bit.ly/49gKvNI.
Stage 1 restrictions prohibit fires, campfires, stove fires, explosives and outdoor smoking. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns and heating devices will still be allowed, along with fires contained within Forest Service-established campfire rings.
The minimum fine for violating Stage 1 campfire restrictions in Colorado is $530.
According to a Forest Service news release, the restrictions are indefinite and could be lifted or expanded based on evolving conditions in the coming weeks and months.
La Plata County’s restrictions, enacted at the request of county fire chiefs, apply to all unincorporated areas of the county and all land owned by the county. Private lands in the towns of Bayfield and Ignacio and the city of Durango, or any federal or tribal lands are excluded from the restriction.
Stage I restrictions at the county level include a complete ban of open burning, burn barrels and agricultural burning with few exceptions. It also prohibits the use of open flames, and campfires.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
