Colorado: Fire restrictions on West Slope BLM lands

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Hoping to avoid scenes like this one at the Gladiator Fire in Arizona, the BLM has enacted fire restrictions for western Colorado.

Dry springs leads to increased danger of wildfires

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — With a heightened concern about fire dangers in western Colorado this summer, the Bureau of Land Management is placing fire restrictions into effect starting today (May 24). The unusually dry spring has increased fire danger to high levels at elevations below 8,000 feet.

The restrictions cover BLM lands in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin counties. Some portions of southern Routt County and northern portions of Delta and Montrose counties are also included within these BLM field office boundaries and covered by these restrictions. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, forest fires, forests, seasons | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Colorado: Unattended campfires a huge concern

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Fire officials report finding several unattended campfires

Unattended campfires can quickly grow into out of control wildfires. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. FOREST SERVICE.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Unattended campfires across western Colorado are once again causing concern for land managers, who are warning campers that the fire danger is increasing as warm and windy weather melts the snowpack and dries out fuels.

Since early May, fire crews from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit have responded to several reports of unattended campfires.

Fire officials are forecasting a moderate to very high fire danger over the next few days. While there are no fire restrictions in effect at this time, all recreationists are urged to exercise caution with open campfires, leaving no fire unattended and to make sure fires are completely out prior to leaving them. Avoid building fires you don’t need. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Environment, forest fires, Forest health, pine beetles, pine beetles and wildfires, Summit County Colorado, US Forest Service | Tagged: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Rangers finding unattended campfires in Colorado

Posted on June 30, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

An unattended campfire sparked the 15,000 acre Schultz Fire in Arizona's San Francisco Peaks area, resulting in significant damage to natural resources and impacts to residents of the area. PHOTO COURTESY THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE.

Fire danger will range from moderate to very high during the Fourth of July weekend

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — When a thoughtless camper left his campfire in the San Francisco Peaks of Arizona unattended, high winds and dry conditions fueled a wildfire that quickly grew to 15,000 acres.

The Schultz Fire has charred big swaths of forest on a mountain that’s sacred to Native Americans, and resulted in numerous evacuations and dangerous conditions for firefighters.

The same thing could easily happen in Colorado, fire officials warned, as they said that they’ve already received reports of 25 unattended campfires in the Upper Colorado fire management area in the last two months. (more…)

Filed under: forest fires, forests, public lands, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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