Corrected- Fire Restrictions BeginToday

Release Date: Jul 11, 2016

Fire Restrictions Begin Today

Fort Collins, Colo. (July 11, 2016) –  Stage I Fire Restriction went into effect for the Boulder, Canyon Lakes and Clear Creek Ranger Districts of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests this morning. Additionally a restriction on discharging a firearm on National Forest System lands in Boulder County was put in place in support of the Cold Springs fire operations.

The Stage 1 fire restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have and are in place until rescinded.  See the order and map for details.  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).
• Use explosives, including fireworks.
• 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.
• Operating 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.36 CFR § 261.52(h).
• Welding or operating 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.

The shooting order restricts discharging a firearm on National Forest System lands in Boulder County. These restrictions were put in place to support the fire operation efforts on the Cold Springs Fire. Any person possessing a valid Colorado hunting license lawfully involved in hunting and harvesting game is exempt from the shooting restriction.

Not complying with the Stage 1 fire restriction order could result in a minimum fine of $300, but could be more, or a mandatory Federal Magistrate Court appearance. If responsible for causing a wildfire, one could be held accountable for suppression costs of that fire. The penalty for not complying with the restrictions on discharging a fire will result in a mandatory Federal Magistrate Court appearance.

Forest Service staff will continue to monitor conditions and consider the variety of options to address those conditions, including additional restrictions if weather remains dry and lessening or rescinding restriction if a rainy weather pattern starts. To view the fire restriction order, go to www.fs.usda.gov/arp. They will be listed in the “Alerts and Notices” box on the right. Please note that many counties are also under fire restrictions; information is available at www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html.