Rocky Mountain National Park Announces Additional Fire Restrictions

Due to the continued extreme fire danger, extended weather forecast and current level of fire activity in the State of Colorado, park officials are reminding visitors of existing regulations pertaining to the use of fires that are always in place within Rocky Mountain National Park, along with a new restriction on smoking. In addition to the fire restrictions in place year-round, the smoking restriction becomes effective Friday June 28, 2013, and will remain in place until further notice.

Existing Regulations include:

* Fires, including grills and charcoal briquettes, are permitted only in designated areas and sites where a metal fire ring or grate is provided. These areas include developed campgrounds, some picnic areas, and some designated backcountry campsites pursuant to an overnight use permit.

* Campfires or grills are not permitted anywhere else in the park.

* Petroleum fueled stoves are permitted in designated backcountry campsites by permit only, and in developed campgrounds and picnic areas.

In addition to the above regulations, smoking is now prohibited except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed site such as a campground or picnic area, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials.

Visitors are reminded to fully extinguish all fires and lighted smoking materials in a safe manner. Fireworks are always prohibited within the park.

For further information on fire conditions in the park, please contact the park's Information Office at 970-586-1206.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

Fire Restrictions Begin for the Pike and San Isabel National Forests

Beginning immediately, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in place on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Pike and San Isabel National Forests located Chaffee, Clear Creek, Custer, Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Jefferson, Lake, Las Animas, Park, Pueblo, Saguache, and Teller Counties, Colorado. Restrictions will remain in effect until they are rescinded.

Fire danger is very high and USFS fire managers anticipate a high potential for large fires.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, barbecue, grill or stove fire. 36 CFR § 261.52(a).

EXCEPT: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites and the use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or a fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove with a ¼” spark arrester type screen is permitted.

2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR § 261.52(d).

3. Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A kept with the operator and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. 36 CFR § 261.52(h).

4. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A. 36 CFR § 261.52(i).

5. Using an explosive. 36 CFR § 261.52 (b).

Even with the restrictions, visitors should be aware of weather conditions and be careful with the use of fire outdoors. Visitors should check with their local U.S. Forest Service office or go to the Web at Fire Information under "Related Links" to learn about specific restrictions.

Fire Safety Message:

* Make sure that you can have a campfire and obey all fire restrictions.

* Keep a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire.

* When putting a campfire out, drown it with water, stir the fire with dirt and more water until all the fuel is cold to the touch. Never leave a fire until it is out cold.

* If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix enough dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding and stirring until all material is cool. Remember, DO NOT bury the fire as the fire will continue to smolder and could catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com