At 6 p.m. on Monday, July 6, Archuleta County and the Town of Pagosa Springs implemented Stage 2 fire restrictions, putting the jurisdictions into the same fire restriction level as area federal land and other regional jurisdictions.
The San Juan National Forest moved into forest-wide Stage 2 restrictions effective July 1, with the Bureau of Land Management Southwest District moving into Stage 2 restrictions effective July 2.
The county declared the move is due to rapidly deteriorating fuel moisture levels, extended exceptional drought conditions and a high potential of forecasted dry lightning, with the town citing the worsening fire conditions, continued hot and dry weather, and increased wildfire risk across Southwest Colorado.
Archuleta County Sheriff Mike Le Roux ordered the county’s increased restrictions, with Town Manager David Harris ordering the town’s increased restrictions pursuant to the town’s emergency authority.
“Southwest Colorado is currently facing an extremely critical fire environment,” said Le Roux. “With forecasted high temperatures, persistent winds and critically dry vegetation, the risk of a catastrophic wildfire is severely elevated. We are asking all residents and visitors to strictly adhere to these restrictions to protect our community and our first responders.”
“Current fire conditions require us to take additional precautions to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires,” said Harris. “As conditions continue to deteriorate, we ask every resident and visitor to do their part to protect our community by complying with these restrictions.”
The restrictions apply to publicly and privately owned lands.
“The Town encourages all residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution with any activity that could create sparks or ignite dry vegetation,” a press release from the town states. “Community cooperation is essential to reducing wildfire risk and protecting lives and property.”
Anyone who observes a suspected fire restriction violation, unattended fire, or smoke plume should immediately contact Archuleta County Combined Dispatch. Emergencies should be reported by calling 911. Non-emergency concerns or suspected violations can be reported by calling (970) 731-2160.
Recreationists are encouraged to check local restrictions before heading out, with many surrounding jurisdictions having implemented restrictions.
Monsoon may increase fire risk before bringing relief
According to AccuWeather, hot, dry weather will continue to fuel existing wildfires while creating conditions that support wildfire ignition and spread.
Lightning, the forecasting company states, is a frequent cause of wildfires, and the North American monsoon is expected to become more active during the second half of July. In its early stages, it may increase wildfire danger before widespread rainfall arrives and offers relief.
“Early monsoon thunderstorms can create a dangerous combination of lightning and strong wind gusts with little rainfall,” said AccuWeather long range forecaster Paul Pastelok. “Those storms can spark new fires while also generating blowing dust, or haboobs, that quickly reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions.”
The area experienced more of that Monday, with the ACSO reporting that it, as well as resources from Los Pinos Fire Protection District and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service responded to what looked to be a single-tree lightning strike from that day’s storm in the area of mile marker 25 on Colo. 151.
The ACSO reported that the fire was estimated at 0.1 acres and that crews had contained the fire and would continue to monitor it in the coming days and work to call it out.
Pagosa Weather’s July 7 forecast post states, “Thursday through Sunday will be mostly dry, but there’s a slight chance for a spotty storm each afternoon, mostly over the mountains. Storms will produce more lightning than rain.
It adds the monsoon “will finally kick into gear starting Monday or next Tuesday. Scattered storms are possible each afternoon and evening.”
Prohibited activities under Stage 2 restrictions
The town notes Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit additional activities beyond those restricted under Stage 1 and are intended to further reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger.
Residents and visitors are urged to review the updated restrictions carefully and comply with all requirements while the order remains in effect.
Archuleta County
Under the Stage 2 open burning restrictions, the following activities are strictly prohibited within Archuleta County:
• No campfires or grills: Building, maintaining, attending or using any open fire, campfire or charcoal/wood-burning barbecue grill is prohibited. This applies to all locations, including developed campgrounds, picnic areas and private property.
• Smoking Restrictions: Smoking outdoors is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building.
• No open flames/welding: Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is strictly prohibited. Welding and cutting will be permitted with a 20-foot radius safe zone free of vegetation, one 2-1/2 gallon pressurized fire extinguisher or a 5-pound fire extinguisher. An ABC extinguisher or a pressurized water supply and proper hand tools must be on-site, and a fire watch individual must be standing by continuously.
• Equipment precautions: Operating any internal combustion engine (such as a chain saw) without a properly installed and working spark arresting device is prohibited. Chain saw operators must also carry a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher and a round-point shovel.
• Explosives and fireworks: The use of explosives, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary ammunition is strictly prohibited.
Town of Pagosa Springs
The following activities are prohibited within the town under Stage 2 fire restrictions:
• Building, maintaining, attending or using any open fire, campfire, charcoal fire, coal fire or wood-burning fire.
• Open burning, burn barrels and agricultural burning.
• Smoking outdoors, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• The use of all fireworks, including sparklers, explosive targets and other incendiary devices.
• Welding or operating an acetylene or similar open-flame torch, except as specifically allowed by the order.
Permitted activities
The jurisdictions have also outlined permitted activities under the increased restrictions.
Town of Pagosa Springs
Permitted activities under Stage 2 fire restrictions within the town include:
• Gas-fueled grills, stoves, lanterns and heating devices equipped with a shut-off valve when operated in accordance with the restrictions.
• Activities specifically authorized in writing by the town manager.
• Emergency response activities conducted by authorized personnel in the performance of official duties.
Archuleta County
According to Archuleta County, persons are permitted to use stoves, grills and lanterns fueled solely by liquid petroleum gas, propane or pressurized liquid fuel, provided they can be turned completely on and off extinguishing the flame with a valve, and are operated in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
Enforcement
According to a press release from the town, violations of the Stage 2 fire restrictions may result in fines, penalties or other enforcement actions as authorized by law.
“The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office and local emergency operations personnel will strictly enforce these restrictions,” an ACSO press release states.
The town’s full Stage 2 fire restriction order is available at https://bit.ly/3R2jI1x.
Emergency notifications
Both the town and county encourage residents and visitors to sign up for emergency notifications.
The town’s alert system provides important local government updates, while Archuleta County’s Nixle alert system delivers emergency notifications and public safety information, including wildfire updates, evacuation notices and other urgent alerts.
To sign up for alerts from the town, visit pagosasprings.co.gov and select “Subscribe to Alerts,” or text “PagosaSprings” to 38276.
To sign up for Archuleta County Nixle alerts, visit www.archuletacounty.gov/services/citizens-alert-nixle/.
Be prepared
The town encourages residents to prepare now for wildfire season by creating an evacuation plan and assembling a “go bag” or 72-hour emergency kit.
Emergency supplies should include important documents, medications, nonperishable food, water, flashlights, backup batteries, phone chargers, a battery-powered AM/FM radio and pet supplies.
“Taking these steps in advance can help ensure you and your family are prepared to evacuate quickly and safely if conditions warrant,” the town’s press release notes.
The ACSO also encourages people to practice heightened vehicle safety guidelines, such as ensuring trailer chains do not drag, checking tire pressures to prevent rim sparks and avoiding parking on dry grass.
randi@pagosasun.com
>