Fire Restrictions Go Into Place On Public Lands

Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect Tuesday across the San Juan National Forest and on Bureau of Land Management lands within the Tres Rios Field Office, on Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and within portions of the Gunnison Field Office surrounding Silverton, Colorado. This means a ban on fires, campfires, or stove fires, although there are exceptions for fires in permanent fire pits or grates in developed recreation areas and for the use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices. A fire ban is also in effect in Montezuma County. Southwest Colorado is experiencing exceptional drought conditions that are expected to continue or worsen throughout the summer. Area firefighting agencies are gearing up for what could be a dangerous wildfire season.