STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS on San Juan National Forest Effective June 1, 2018

Beginning June 1, 2018, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be in effect on all National Forest System lands within the San Juan National Forest, including Wilderness. Fire restrictions are designed to protect people, property and the area’s natural resources, and are in response to the exceptional drought rating in Southwest Colorado, increased fire activity throughout the area, and continuing hot dry weather forecasts.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on the San Juan National Forest means that the following are PROHIBITED:

1. 1)  Building, maintaining, attending or using an OPEN FLAME, including fire, campfire, stove fire, charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves, and devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) using liquid fuel such as white gas or kerosene. This prohibition applies to the entire San Juan National Forest, including Wilderness and developed camping and picnic grounds.

   Except: Devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) using pressurized gas canisters (isobutene or propane) that include shut-off valves, or within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building.

2. 2)  SMOKING.
   Except: Within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building.
3. 3)  WELDING or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
4. 4)  Operating or using any INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE (e.g. chainsaw, generator, ATV) without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting USDA Forest Service or SAE approval.
5. 5)  Operating a CHAINSAW without an approved spark arresting device, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (8 oz. capacity by weight or larger and kept with the operator) and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use, or outside of the “Hoot Owl” restricted hours of 5am – 1pm.
6. 6)  Using an EXPLOSIVE. This includes but is not limited to fuses or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary ammunition.
7. 7)  Discharging a FIREARM, air rifle, or gas gun.

8) Possessing or using a MOTOR VEHICLE OFF ESTABLISHED ROADS, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetationwithin 10 feet of the vehicle.