Local government officials are establishing a mandatory fire ban for the unincorporated areas of Montezuma County beginning Thursday morning, mainly in response to dryness expected to come and recent high winds.
The ban means open fires, such as campfires, are restricted. It applies to unincorporated parts of the county and does not include federal lands or municipalities. Sheriff Steve Nowlin, fire warden of Montezuma County, appeared before county commissioners Tuesday to request the ban.
“We’ve had several red-flag warnings recently because of high winds,” Nowlin said. “We still have two, major holidays coming where you’re just not going to be able to have a campfire.”
National Weather Service issued a red-flag warning for 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and a fire watch for Thursday afternoon through the evening for regions in Southwest Colorado. The warnings mean fire may catch easily and spread during outdoor burning.
The fire ban goes into effect 6 a.m. Thursday and is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires that occur if fires get out of control during dry spells or gusty winds. County spokesperson Vicki Shaffer said fire danger across the county is rated high for this time of year.
Along with open fires, the ban prohibits using fireworks. Residents can use charcoal or gasoline grills, as well as commercial enclosed incinerators. There are certain requirements triggered for welding. Burn barrels with a ¼-inch screen are acceptable if they are located within a 20-foot radius clear of vegetation.
Nowlin told The Journal many residents were responsible with controlled burning this spring season by choosing calmer, morning conditions and notifying dispatch before lighting piles and debris.
He said recent violations involved a small number of people who failed to call dispatch before burning, which is required under ordinance.
The city of Cortez prohibits open fires except by burn permit. To burn yard waste or have a bonfire, residents can call the Planning and Building department for a permit, Monday through Thursday, at (970) 564-4016. There are no fees for permits.
Commissioners have authorization only for the unincorporated parts of the county, but Nowlin said a fire ban in the town of Dolores will go into effect simultaneously.
Nowlin said county officials coordinate early every year with federal agencies when considering restrictions.
Some of it is focused on jurisdictional challenges of coordinating safety measures across private or federal lands, because some property lines are situated within or next to public lands.
The county directs residents to visit the county’s website where information on restrictions is updated consistently, as jurisdictions may have different rules.
Officials of the San Juan National Forest Service implemented a Stage 1 fire ban last week focused on lower-elevated forest parts. High country is showing ideal green-up that makes major fires less easily spreadable.
No restrictions have been announced for the Bureau of Land Management.
awatson@the-journal.com
