Fire restrictions take effect in Mesa County

Daily Press Writer

GRAND JUNCTION — Dry conditions and high temperatures have prompted the Bureau of Land Management and Mesa County officials to administer a stage 1 fire restriction.

The fire restrictions went into action on Saturday at 12:01 a.m., and effects lands administered by the BLM Grand Junction Field Office and areas of Mesa County.

Montrose County and lands managed by the BLM Uncompahgre Field Office are not currently under restrictions.

“Generally Montrose does not face fire restrictions as early, if at all, because they don’t suffer from low moisture quite as fast,” BLM spokeswoman Melodie Lloyd said.

However, those planning to travel north need to be aware of what the restrictions mean in regards to camping and recreating.

A fire restriction means that building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire in an undesignated area is illegal. However, fires built within provided fire grates are permitted.

“A common mistake is calling this a fire ban,” Lloyd said. “But it’s not a ban, there’s just certain restrictions that need to be followed.”

The fire restriction also prohibits smoking on public lands, unless done so in an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a developed recreation site.

Those planning a Fourth of July gathering complete with fireworks also need to fully understand the restrictions that have been set in place. The use of explosive materials is banned until fire restrictions are lifted completely.

There are three stages of burn restrictions, Lloyd said. When a stage 1 is in effect, as it currently is, certain restrictions exist. If the restrictions are increased to a stage 2, a fire ban will be actively placed. If low moisture levels continue to worsen, stage 3 could be reached, which means access to public lands will be closed.

Severe consequences for not adhering to the restrictions include fines amounting up to $100,000, and imprisonment for up to 12 months. If a person is found responsible for damage to homes by a fire they caused, they will be responsible for the costs on top of the fines.

“It’s definitely to everyone’s benefit that they heed these restrictions to help protect from future fires,” Lloyd said.

Anyone with further questions can visit www.sheriff.mesacounty.us. or call (970)244-3500.

Information regarding BLM fire restrictions should be directed to (970) 244-3000.