Gunnison, Colo. - Current and forecasted weather, coupled with dry conditions have prompted the BLM’s Gunnison Field Office to implement fire restrictions on BLM-managed lands in all of Gunnison County effective July 10. This is in addition to restrictions that were put in place on BLM-managed lands in northwest Gunnison County by the Uncompahgre Field Office on July 2. The restrictions align with local orders and guidelines to protect the safety of the public during high fire danger.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
* Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (i.e. a metal, in- ground containment structure - fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable)
* No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas
* No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or a barren area free of vegetation
* No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets
* No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except from an area that has been cleared of vegetation
* No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device, properly installed and in working order.
These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Colorado. These prohibit:
* Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
* Possession, discharge or use of any fireworks.
* Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
* Burn, ignite or cause to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
* Operate any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1(c).
Stage 1 fire restrictions on these lands will be in place until further notice. For more information about fire restrictions in the Gunnison Field Office, please visit the Rocky Mountain District Fire Restrictions page or call the Field Office at (970) 642-4940.
Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both. Those found responsible for starting wildfires may also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
