Effective Friday, July 13, 2012, fire restrictions will be lifted at higher elevations and eased at lower elevations of the San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado. Updated maps, which show specific boundaries for the specific zones considered higher and lower elevation under the revised restrictions, will be available beginning tomorrow at National Forest offices in Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, Durango, Dolores and Silverton, and posted online at: www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan
Fire restrictions for higher elevations of the San Juan National Forest (Zone 2), which have been receiving more moisture, are hereby lifted; however, visitors are still asked to remain safety-conscious in these areas.
Lower elevations of the San Juan National Forest (Zone 1) have received less moisture, so fire restrictions will be eased but remain in effect, as follows:
· Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire is limited to permanent fire rings or grates within developed campgrounds (Exceptions: petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices);
· Smoking is limited to an enclosed vehicle or building, or within a 3-foot-wide area cleared of vegetation;
· Chainsaws and other internal-combustion engines must have approved, working spark arresters;
· Welding or use of acetylene and other torches with an open flame is prohibited;
· Use of explosives is prohibited (including fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device, which may result in the ignition of flammable material).
These changes pertain ONLY to the San Juan National Forest. For more information, contact the San Juan Public Lands Center at 970 247-4874.
