As temperatures and fire danger rise, Stage 1 fire restrictions have been implemented for Garfield County and land managed by the White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Upper Colorado River District. 

Restrictions for Garfield County go into effect midnight Thursday, June 26, according to a Tuesday news release from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. Stage one restrictions for the White River National Forest and Upper Colorado River District begin Friday, June 27. 

County fire restrictions are implemented by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, the Garfield County Sheriff and Garfield County fire districts based on factors including weather forecasts, vegetation moisture content and firefighting resource availability.

“Fire restrictions are prudent at this time considering the long-range forecast, fuel moisture conditions on the ground, and the continued high public visitation,” said Brian Glaspell, White River National Forest Supervisor, in a Wednesday news release from the Upper Colorado River Fire Management Unit. “In developed campgrounds where campfires are permitted, please ensure your fire is completely out and cold before leaving.”

So far this year, Garfield County has already been under multiple red flag warnings due to high temperatures and dry conditions accompanied by strong winds. 

“Our concern, with the level of fire danger we are seeing; one spark could quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire threatening lives, property and natural resources,” the county’s release states. 

Already-low fuel moisture percentages in Garfield County’s vegetation are projected to decline over the next two weeks, according to the release. Sagebrush fuel moisture is currently at a near-record low of at or below 100% and Pinyon pine and juniper fuel moisture is below normal at 72%, the release states. Much of Garfield County is currently in a “severe drought,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. 

Under the Stage 1 fire restrictions, all county burn permits are postponed or canceled until further notice.

For Garfield County, the BLM Upper Colorado River District and White River National Forest,  campfires are only allowed in designated fire grates, store bought fire pits or permanent, metal in-ground containers in developed areas where vegetation is regularly groomed and watered. No fires are allowed in undeveloped areas, or areas where vegetation grows in a natural environment.

Fireworks and other explosive materials, including “exploding” targets, bullets and tracer rounds, are prohibited. Garfield County may approve professional firework shows through a permitting process.

“As we enter stage one fire restrictions, it’s crucial for everyone to understand the importance of fire safety during this dry season,” said Greg Larson, BLM Upper Colorado River District Manager, in a Wednesday release from the Upper Colorado River Fire Management Unit. “We urge all residents and visitors to be vigilant and responsible with any outdoor activities that could spark a fire. Remember, fireworks are not allowed on federal land.”

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas, enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed areas or sites without vegetation. Vegetation must be cleared and industry safety practices used when welding or using a torch with an open flame. Internal combustion engines cannot be operated without a working and properly installed spark arresting device. 

During Stage 1 fire restrictions, causing a fire can be classified as a Class 6 felony, with other charges ranging from a Class 2 felony to a petty offense. 

Garfield County Commissioners on Monday also unanimously passed an ordinance banning the possession, use and sale of fireworks in unincorporated areas in the county. The ordinance is effective immediately and remains in place for a year. 

“We’re above the threshold on everything already,” Chris Bornholdt, Garfield County Emergency Manager, told the Board of County Commissioners on Monday. “I was on vacation, I came back Wednesday, we’ve had a fire every day since I got back.”

Each violation of the ordinance may result in a fine of up to $1,000, according to the release.  

“It’s just a start away from having a big fire right now, especially with a little wind, and we’ve had wind every day and a red flag warning every day since Thursday,” Bornholdt said.