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CRAIG, Colo. – The Little Snake and White River Field Offices will rescind fire restrictions on BLM-managed lands in Moffat County on Friday, November 6 at 12:01 a.m. BLM public lands in Grand, Jackson, Larimer, and Summit Counties remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions.

“The recent cooler weather and increased moisture have reduced the threat of extreme fire behavior in Moffat County,” said Little Snake Field Manager Bruce Sillitoe. “However, fuels remain extremely dry, and several large fires in northern Colorado are still burning. As always, we need visitors to be sure to use fire only where allowed and have plenty of water on hand to douse them before leaving.”

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following activities:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire 36 CFR 261.52(a). This includes charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves and sheepherders’ stoves and includes use in developed camping and picnic grounds. EXCEPT: Devices using pressurized liquid or gas (stoves, grills, or lanterns) that include shut-off valves are permitted when used in an area at least three feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles.
2. Smoking. 36 CFR 261.52(c) EXCEPT: Within enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building.
3. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR 261.52(i).
4. Operating or using any internal combustion engine (e.g. chainsaw, generator, ATV) without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either: (a) Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or (b) Appropriate Society of automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a). 36 CFR 261.52(j)
5. Operating a chainsaw without an approved spark arresting device as described in Prohibition #4, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (8 oz. capacity by weight or larger and kept with the operator) and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. 36 CFR 261.52(h).
6. Using an explosive. 36 CFR 261.52(b). This includes but is not limited to fuses or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary. must be in the physical possession of the person or persons undertaking the exempted activities. 2. Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty is exempt from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4 and #5.
7. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid or vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle. 36 CFR 261.52

Fire restrictions will be in place until further notice. In addition to criminal penalties, those found responsible for starting wildfires may also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire. BLM fire restriction orders and maps of restriction areas are available at Northwest District Fire Restrictions page. A full description of fire restriction stages 1 and 2 is available from the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center.

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