MONTE VISTA, Colo., May 15, 2018 – The Rio Grande National Forest and Bureau
of Land Management’s San Luis Valley Field Office are initiating Stage 1 fire
restrictions beginning May 21. The low snowpack and warm temperatures have
created unusually dry conditions for this time of year in the foothills and
mountains that surround the San Luis Valley.
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit:
1. All open fires, campfires, charcoal-fueled fires, or coal or wood burning stove
fires unless in an established fire grate in a developed campground. Petroleum-
fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are allowed.
2. Smoking, unless within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed
recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is
barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrestor properly
installed, 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.
4. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame except
when in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a
chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A.
**As a reminder, the use of explosives and incendiary devices, including
fireworks, are prohibited on all federal lands**