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Be Safe with Fire on the Fourth |
Special to the Post | 7/2/08
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The Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center asks that visitors to the backcountry this weekend be aware that fire conditions are becoming dangerous at lower elevations and higher elevations are drying out. Although no fire restrictions have yet been placed on San Juan Public Lands, extreme caution is urged, and fireworks, as always, are prohibited on all federal Lands.
“Recent thunderstorms have brought us lightning, but only spotty moisture, so we are urging visitors to the backcountry to use fire with caution, especially in areas with dry grass or dead trees,” said Mark Lauer, San Juan Fire Management Officer.
The following safety tips are highly encouraged:
 Don’t park cars or recreational vehicles on dry vegetation. Exhaust systems can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees; hot enough to start a wildfire during the summer.
Use an approved spark arrester on off-road vehicles and chainsaws. The screen between the exhaust port of the piston and muffler helps ensure that sparks generated won’t start wildfires. Check and replace spark arresters periodically.
Clear the area around campfires. Remove all vegetation and debris from within 10 feet before you start a fire.
Make sure that you have a bucket of water, shovel, and other implements nearby in case your campfire starts to get out of control.
Make sure campfires are completely out before leaving. Stir water and dirt into the coals with a shovel or stick until the coals are cool to the touch.
Extinguish smoking materials only in cleared areas free of vegetation or debris. Never toss cigarette butts out the car window.
Remember that fireworks are illegal on San Juan Public Lands. The penalty for violators is a maximum of six months in prison and/or $5,000 fine. Anyone responsible for starting a wildfire may also be held responsible for the cost of putting it out and for damage caused.
Although no restrictions are yet in place on National Forest or BLM lands, the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservations are restricting the use of open fires.
To report a fire, contact the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 970 385-1324. |
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