There’s good news for Labor Day weekend campers heading into Colorado’s national forests where fire restrictions have largely been downgraded and, in some cases, rescinded altogether.
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On Wednesday, officials with the White River National Forest announced it would move to Stage 1 fire restrictions everywhere except for the Dillon Ranger District. Starting Friday, campfires will be permitted in metal fire rings and concrete fire pits built and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. Charcoal-fueled fires are also allowed in grated grills at the agency’s picnic areas and campgrounds.
It’s important to note that fires in rock rings or at dispersed sites are not allowed under Stage 1, and neither are explosives such as fireworks. Similarly, smoking is restricted to inside buildings, vehicles and developed recreation sites.
The Dillon Ranger District, which includes all of Summit County, remains under Stage 2 fire restrictions, meaning no open fires whatsoever. Camp stoves and firepits fueled by liquid gas are permissible as long as they remain 3 feet away from flammable materials.
“Recent moisture has reduced fire danger, but it is important to remain vigilant as we head into the holiday weekend with continued high visitation,” White River National Forest Supervisor Brian Glaspell said in a statement. “In the sites where fires are permitted, please be sure your fire is out and cold before leaving it unattended.”
The White River area is Colorado’s most popular national forest. Its move to lower fire restrictions follows others throughout the state, including the Pike-San Isabel National Forests, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Routt National Forest, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, and San Juan National Forest — all of which are currently under Stage 1.
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There are currently no fire restrictions in place within the Rio Grande National Forest and Pawnee National Grassland.
Colorado weathered one of its worst fire seasons in recent memory this summer with several large blazes causing many millions of dollars in damage. The most destructive was the Aspen Acres fire, which consumed 102,000 acres in Custer, Pueblo and Fremont counties and went on record as the state’s seventh largest wildfire.
Travelers should remain cautious since fire danger is still high. Counties each have their own restrictions, so be sure to check those out at the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s Wildfire Information Center before your next adventure.
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