RBC enters Stage 2 restrictions Friday

RBC | High temperatures, extremely dry conditions, and wind have contributed to the growth of the lightning-caused Oil Springs Fire south of Rangely to more than 12,000 acres, prompting evacuations and multiple road closures, including the closure of Highway 139 — Douglas Pass.

In response to fire activity and current conditions, including the possibility of additional lightning and gusty winds through Saturday, the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office has announced the implementation of Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Friday, June 25.

As of press time Wednesday, firefighters were prioritizing securing a containment line around a 37-acre spot fire between East Douglas Creek and Willow Creek and keeping the fire on the west side of the highway.

Multiple large fires regionally and nationwide have made it difficult to access requested resources — additional crews and equipment — for full fire suppression thus far. A Type 3 incident team is working the fire along with BLM crews.♣

Road Closures

Road Closures: Highway 139, County Road 23 and County Road 113 intersection, County Road 122 at mile marker 10.

Evacuations: County Road 116, County Road 27, County Road 28, County Road 120, County Road 26A, County Road 103 and County Road 128.

Stage 2 fire restrictions

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire, charcoal grill, coal, wood
   burning stove or sheepherders stove, including in developed camping and picnic grounds. Devices using pressurized liquid or gas are exempted.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, building or tent.
3. Using an explosive requiring fuse or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets and tracers or incendiary ammunition.
4. Operating a chainsaw without an approved spark arrestor, and without a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher and a round-point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches. The extinguisher will be with the equipment operator. The shovel may be kept with fueling supplies but readily available for use.
5. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame (except with a current permit, contract or letter of authorization).
6. Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either:
   a. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a;
   b. or Appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335 (b) and J350 (a).

EXEMPTIONS:
A. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
B. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

This order becomes effective at 12:01 a.m., June 25, 2021, and will remain until rescinded.