The San Juan National Forest is implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions at lower elevations on Thursday, according to a news release from the Forest Service on Wednesday. Violating campfire restrictions at Stage 1 comes with a minimum fine of $530, the news release said.
The fire restrictions only apply to lower elevations because of “rapid vegetation curing and dry surface fuels,” the release said. Higher elevations are still green and are maintaining higher levels of moisture. “All San Juan NF Wilderness Areas are excluded from Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,” the U.S. Forest Service said.
Despite the wet winter and spring, vegetation is drying out because of the hot, dry weather conditions, meaning there is still large wildfire potential.
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit “igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire,” which includes charcoal fires and briquettes. Exceptions include using a fire pit installed by the Forest Service, devices fueled by liquid or gas that can be switched on and off, and using a fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least 5 feet long and a spark arrester.
Restrictions also include:
- No smoking, except in vehicles or approved buildings, developed recreation areas, or in a clear area at least 3 feet in diameter with no flammable materials nearby.
- No use of internal or external combustion engines without a properly installed spark arrester.
- No open flame torches of any kind can be used unless in an area at least 10 feet in diameter clear of flammable materials.
- No explosives of any kind are allowed.
These temporary fire restrictions will remain in place until further notice, the news release said. Violations are Class B misdemeanors, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations and/or up to six months in jail.
According to the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest, the fire danger was rated “very high” in the upper area of the Durango Interagency Dispatch Fire Danger Rating Area and “extreme” in the lower area, which includes Cortez.
When the danger is “very high,” fires will start easily, spread rapidly and quickly increase in intensity after ignition. Fires can be difficult to control.
When the danger is “extreme,” fire start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the “very high” level.
More information can be found on the San Juan National Forest website.
