DURANGO – As of 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2013, the entire San Juan National Forest will be under fire restrictions, with lower elevations upgraded to stricter Stage II restrictions and higher elevations now under Stage I fire restrictions.
The National Forest is divided into two zones, with Zone I covering lower elevations and Zone II covering higher elevations, as depicted on restriction maps. The boundary line between the two zones bisects the national forest roughly from east to west, following identifiable jurisdictional boundaries, roads and trails at approximately 8,500 feet.
Lower and middle elevations south of the line are now under stricter Stage II fire restrictions, with all open fires banned. Higher elevations north of the boundary line are now under Stage I fire restrictions, which allow open fires only within designated campgrounds.
Specifically, lower and middle elevations of the San Juan National Forest, shown as Zone I on restriction maps, are under the following restrictions:
· All open fires and campfires are banned;
· Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building;
· Chainsaws and other internal-combustion engines must have approved, working spark arresters and chainsaw use must be accompanied by a shovel and fire extinguisher;
· Welding, or use of acetylene and other torches with an open flame is prohibited;
· Use of explosives is prohibited.
Specifically, higher elevations of the San Juan National Forest, shown as Zone II on restriction maps, are under the following restrictions:
· Campfires are limited to permanent fire rings or grates only within developed campgrounds;
· Smoking is limited to within vehicles, buildings, or 3-ft. wide areas cleared of vegetation;
· Chainsaws and other internal-combustion engines must have approved, working spark arresters (this restriction is ALWAYS in effect on National Forest Lands)
· Welding, or use of acetylene and other torches with an open flame is prohibited;
· Use of explosives is prohibited;
(Possession and use of fireworks are ALWAYS prohibited EVERYWHERE on federal lands.)
For more information, contact the San Juan National Forest at 970 247-4874.