RBC I Federal fire officials from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit encourage the public to be cautious with fire but will not initiate fire restrictions for the July 4 holiday.
For the first time in years, fuel conditions are favorable enough to avoid fire restrictions during the popular holiday on public lands that UCR provides fire management. UCR provides fire management to the White River National Forest, Colorado National Monument and Bureau of Land Management lands in Northwest Colorado in Mesa, Garfield, Pitkin, Summit, Eagle and portions of Rio Blanco Counties.
“During most years at this time we are already at critical levels for fire danger, especially at lower elevations, and institute fire restrictions,” said Chris Farinetti, UCR fire management officer. “Although fire danger is increasing, we are not at critical levels, and people recreating in these areas over the past few years have generally been safe and cautious with fire, so we are not initiating fire restrictions at this time.”
Moisture levels in large fuels are much higher than in previous years providing positive wild-land fire outlooks. Fire officials caution that fine fuels, such as grass, have already dried and cured for the season. Fine fuels remain available for burning and could easily spread wildfire quickly.
“Lower fire danger doesn’t mean no danger, so people will still need to be vigilant, not only in their use of fire, but also with things like avoiding parking in dry grass,” Farinetti said.
