Sheriff Nowlin

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Montezuma Sheriff's Office

BLM Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: Fire Prevention Order COS01-22-02

Tres Rios Field Office

Due to dry conditions and high fire danger, under authority of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (Title 43, United States Code, Section 1701, et. seq.) pursuant to Title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 9212.2(a), the Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office, including Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, is implementing fire restrictions for all BLM-administered public lands within the boundaries of Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, NW portion of Montrose, and western half of San Miguel counties beginning May 25, 2022.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions the following acts are prohibited:

  • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites. Devices using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted.
  • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
  • Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
  • Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 1 0 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
  • Using exploding targets.

These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM administered public lands in Colorado. These are:

  • Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
  • Possession, discharge or use of any fireworks.
  • Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
  • Bum, ignite or cause to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
  • Operate any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c).

The following persons are exempt from this order:

  1. Persons with a permit or letter of authorization specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
  2. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

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Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office
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Cortez, CO 81321
Phone: 970-565-8452

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