Portions of Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests join counties in fire restrictions

Reid Armstrong, USFS.  Due to a forecast of continuing dry and warm conditions, and in support of fire restrictions currently enacted in Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson and Boulder counties, the Boulder and Clear Creek ranger districts of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests are enacting Stage 1 fire restrictions effective today. The Stage 1 fire restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have and are in place until rescinded.

Within the fire restriction area, forest visitors cannot:

• Build or maintain a fire or use charcoal, coal, or wood stoves, except within a developed recreation site (e.g., campgrounds where fees are charged).
• Smoke, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operate a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher kept with the operator, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
• Weld or operate acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
• Use explosives, including fireworks.
• Discharge a firearm EXCEPT a person possessing a valid Colorado hunting license lawfully involved in hunting and harvesting game.

Violation of Stage 1 fire restrictions could result in a maximum fine of $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for more than six months, or both. If responsible for causing a wildfire, one could be held accountable for suppression costs of that fire.

To view the fire restriction orders and maps, go to www.fs.usda.gov/arp. They will be listed in the “Alerts and Notices” box on the right.

Fire Managers will continue to monitor conditions on the Forests and Grassland and the need for further fire restrictions.

Please note that many counties are also under fire restrictions; information is available at www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html