BLM Tres Rios and Uncompahgre Field Offices lift Stage I Fire Restrictions
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MONTROSE, Colo. – Current Stage I Fire Restrictions will be lifted on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Tres Rios and Uncompahgre field offices effective at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2020. This decision comes after southwest Colorado received several days of persistent monsoon moisture. Stage I Fire Restrictions were implemented in both BLM field offices at the beginning of July, due to extended periods of hot and dry weather that increased fire danger.
The Tres Rios and Uncompahgre field offices administer BLM lands in portions of Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, and San Miguel counties. Annual fire restrictions associated with the Durango Special Recreation Management Area remain in place for BLM lands in the greater Durango area within La Plata County, including the Grandview, Animas City Mountain, and Skyline areas. “The BLM areas near the City of Durango are ‘Day Use Only,’ and overnight camping and campfires are prohibited to reduce fire risk,” said Connie Clementson, Tres Rios Field Manager.
The recent precipitation helped to lower fire danger in most areas, but the public is advised to be cautious with activities that could potentially ignite a fire. “We encourage the public to enjoy their public lands, as well as to respect the land by being careful with fire and by using ‘Leave No Trace’ practices,” said Amy Carmichael, Acting BLM Uncompahgre Field Manager.
Fire officials remind visitors to practice fire safety:
- Keep campfires small and under control.
- Ensure that campfires are dead out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
- Keep a shovel and water nearby to douse escaped embers.
- Do not park or idle vehicles in tall dry grass; the heat from the vehicle can spark a wildfire.
- Do not allow chains to drag from vehicles or towed trailers.
- Fireworks are never allowed on federally managed lands.
To determine where restrictions apply, the public is encouraged to check with local authorities online at: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dfpc/fire-restriction-information and https://www.westslopefireinfo.com/.
The BLM continuously monitors conditions throughout the area and may modify restrictions as needed. For more information on BLM fire restrictions, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado.
BLM
The Southwest Colorado Fire and Aviation Management Unit covers the BLM Colorado’s Southwest District and the Gunnison Field Office (BLM), the Uncompahgre Field Office (BLM), and Tres Rios Field Office (BLM) in the Colorado counties of Archuleta, Conejos, Delta, Dolores, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mesa, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan and San Miguel.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.