As we head into the heart of the dry season, stage one fire restrictions are now in effect in Garfield County on all unincorporated private lands and Bureau of Land Management-administered lands. That means folks will have to be careful where and when they light their next match.

“People in Garfield County understand what fires season is, and we typically see good compliance with fire restrictions, which helps reduce the number of human-caused fires,” Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario said in the BLM press release.

Fire managers base their decisions about fire restrictions on specific moisture measurements in vegetation and other risk factors.

“Despite a good snowpack year, recent hot and dry weather has created high fire danger at elevations below about 8,000 feet,” said Gloria Tibbetts, acting field manager for the BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office.

With Independence Day coming up, it’s worth a reminder that fireworks are always prohibited on BLM, National Forest National Park Service Lands. But temporary restrictions are also in place on campfires, smoking and other flame-inducing activities.

The BLM Grand Junction Field Office and Mesa County have had fire restrictions in place since June 23.

Based on local conditions, the White River National Forest is not initiating fire restrictions at this time. Fire officials caution that there is still a fire danger in these areas, and remind people to be careful with fire.

Fire restrictions on these lands will be in place until further notice, according to the press release. Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months, or both. Those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.

For more information about fire restrictions in these areas, visit tinyurl.com/crvfire or call the Colorado River Valley Field Office at 970-876-9000.