Because of the lack of monsoon moisture, current high temperatures, dry fuel conditions and the occurrence of recent wildland fires, Stage 2 fire restrictions have been implemented for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation as of 6 a.m. Monday and will remain until conditions improve.

Everyone on reservation land is asked to be very cautious and use common sense with fire this time of year.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute reservation.

Prohibited acts for the general public include:

Open burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited. Agricultural burning. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed campsites is prohibited. Charcoal broilers and wood and coal stoves used outside of dwellings are classified as campfires and prohibited. Fires for ceremonial sweats are allowed upon notification of the local fire authority and/or Bureau of Indian Affairs Fire Office and approval from them.Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.Smoking is restricted to designated areas, within structures or within vehicles equipped with ashtrays.Operating or using any internal combustion engine (chainsaws, generators, etc.) without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order. Commercial and industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office, 575 County Road 517, or by calling 563-4571.

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.