Staff Report
CAÑON CITY— The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Royal Gorge Field Office has initiated a stage 1 fire restriction on BLM lands in southeastern Colorado and along the Front Range. The restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.
The lack of moisture throughout the winter months along with the scarcity of rainfall in the lower to mid elevations in the early spring has increased fire danger levels to high and very high for an extended period of time.
24 counties including Huerfano, Las Animas, Pueblo, Baca and Otero are affected.
The restrictions listed by the BLM are: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or open fire of any type in undeveloped areas is prohibited. This includes, but is a not limited to, charcoal grills, hibachis, and coal or wood burning stoves. All fireworks activity and use is also restricted.
Smoking is only permitted in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
However campfires are allowed in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, and only in agency-provided manufactured fire grates and grills. The order allows cooking stoves and other appliances fueled by liquid petroleum or bottled fuels that are equipped with a valve, which allows the operator to turn the flame on or off.
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