All lands within the White River National Forest will enter stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Thursday, July 2.
Under Stage 1 restrictions:
• Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (i.e. a metal, in-ground containment structure — fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable)
• No fires of any type including charcoal outside of developed areas
• No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or in a barren area free of vegetation
• No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets
• No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except from an area that has been cleared of vegetation
• No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order
Conditions vary by location across the Forest, and a longer-term drying trend is forecast.
Officials consider a number of criteria when determining the need for fire restrictions, including current and anticipated fire danger, resource availability, and consistency with neighboring jurisdictions. Local, county, state and federal officials within the UCR area evaluate and coordinate fire restrictions weekly during fire season.
Rio Blanco County and the Bureau of Land Management White River Field Office are not entering fire restrictions at this time, although RBC Emergency Manager Ty Gates issued a warning Wednesday about dry conditions.
Land managers urge the public to be extremely careful in areas where fires are allowed and ensure campfires are completely out before leaving camp. Remember that fireworks are prohibited on Federal land.
WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST PRESS RELEASE
