The entire White River National Forest will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday, according to a news release from the U.S. Forest Service.
The White River National Forest is the most visited national forest in the United States, drawing nearly 18 million visitors annually in recent years. It encompasses roughly 2.3 million acres, covering nine Colorado counties, including popular tourist destinations like Breckenridge, Vail and Aspen.
The restrictions prohibit campfires, except within developed campgrounds with permanent metal or concrete pits. Stage 1 fire restrictions are also in place for the Routt National Forest near Steamboat Springs and parts of the Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest near Winter Park.
“Considering the long-range forecast and the on-the-ground fuel moisture conditions, fire restrictions are provident as we head into the holiday weekend with continued high visitation,†White River National Forest Acting Supervisor Alicia Bell Sheeter said in a statement. “In the sites where fires are permitted, please be sure your fire is out and cold before leaving it unattended.â€
The restrictions come as Colorado has seen hot, dry weather and an uptick in wildfire activity in recent weeks. The state just experienced its worst snowpack on record, leading to widespread drought conditions.
Local evacuations for the Spring Creek Fire — which burned about 20 acres in the White River National Forest near the border of Pitkin and Eagle counties — were lifted June 13 as firefighters were able to contain the fire and stop it from growing, according to the Forest Service. Firefighters also quickly contained small fires that broke out in Glenwood Canyon, closing Interstate 70 for several hours, earlier this month.
Under the Stage 1 restrictions, gas stoves are allowed, but charcoal grills are not. Smoking is also prohibited except within an enclosed building or vehicle, a developed recreation site or “while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials,†the release states. Explosives — including fireworks — are also prohibited.
Local, county, state and federal officials coordinate fire restrictions weekly during the fire season. Officials consider several criteria when determining when to enter fire restrictions, including the current and anticipated fire danger, resource availability and consistency with neighboring jurisdictions.
Fire restrictions are not uncommon in June, which tends to be drier and hotter than the spring months. Numerous counties across Colorado, including Summit, Eagle, Grand, Pitkin, Garfield, Routt, Rio Blanco, Lake and Chaffee counties, also have fire restrictions in place.
With more travelers on the road as the summer season picks up, the Colorado Department of Transportation is also reminding drivers to practice fire safety. Anyone pulling a trailer should ensure that there are no chains dragging that could spark, and truck drivers should use a low gear, rather than frequent braking that could result in fires, when traveling downhill, according to the transportation department. Cigarettes should never be discarded on the side of the road, where officials warn they could spark a wildfire.
“Summer in Colorado means road trips, camping, and exploring, which brings heavy traffic and drivers unfamiliar with our terrain,†CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said. “But under dry conditions, something as seemingly small as dragging trailer chains, overheated brakes or a tossed cigarette can cause catastrophic impacts.â€
