Beginning May 22, 2018 fire and smoking restrictions were placed on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) located on the Pikes Peak, South Park and Salida Ranger Districts of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, according to a news release from the Forest Service.
Restrictions will remain in effect until December 31, 2018 or until they are rescinded.
In parts of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests the fire danger is very high. Unless the U.S. Forest Service sees a significant change in the weather patterns soon, we will experience a high potential for large fires.
Fire and Smoking Restrictions
The following acts are prohibited on U.S. Forest Service lands managed under Pike and San Isabel National Forests located on the Pikes Peak, South Park and Salida Ranger Districts within Douglas, El Paso, Park (Excluding Park County lands on the South Platte Ranger District), Teller, Fremont, Custer, Chaffee and Saguache Counties in Colorado. (See website for detailed maps https://www.fs.usda.gov/psicc):
1 Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. (This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, charcoal grills, hibachis, and coal or wood-burning stoves.)
Exceptions: Campfires are permitted in U.S. Forest Service-developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, and only in U.S. Forest Service-provided, manufactured fire grates and grills. Petroleum fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are allowed on all National Forest System lands, provided such devices meet the Underwriters Laboratories specifications for safety.
2 Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
Actions Permitted
1 Persons with a U.S. Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2 Resident owners, lessees of land, and holders of U.S. Forest Service recreational use authorizations, within the restricted area are exempt from Prohibition Number 1 listed above, provided such fires are within a permanent structure.
3 Any Federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Even with the restrictions, visitors should be aware of weather conditions and be careful with the use of fire outdoors. Visitors should check with their local U.S. Forest Service office or go to the web to learn about specific restrictions.
Visit www.coemerency.com for current fire restrictions across the State of Colorado://www.facebook.com/TheChaffeeCountyTimes/posts/1844810368939139