Beginning May 1, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be in effect on all National Forest System lands within the San Juan National Forest (SJNF), including Wilderness, as well as on most other jurisdictions in the area.
San Juan National Forest has brought in a National Wildfire Prevention Education Team to help raise awareness of the wildfire dangers during this wildfire season. Southwest Colorado is currently experiencing exceptional drought conditions. The area only received 40 percent of the normal snowpack and is experiencing multiple fires daily since April 1. Current predictions indicate that these conditions will extend or worsen throughout the summer. Wildland fire agencies across Colorado have been reinforcing prevention efforts for their respective agencies. “By bringing a National Wildfire Prevention Education Team to Durango, we will be able to unify these efforts across Southwest Colorado,” said Richard Bustamante, SJNF Fire Management Officer.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the San Juan National Forest means that the following are PROHIBITED:
Exceptions allowed:
The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Park Service and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control are all involved in this proactive fire prevention campaign. Specifics of what is prohibited or allowed under Stage 1 restrictions vary slightly depending on jurisdiction, so persons should confirm information from the appropriate agency.
For more Forest Service fire restriction information, please contact the San Juan National Forest at 970-247-4874, or visithttps://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/sanjuan/firerestrictions