DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

   U.S. Forest Service * Bureau of Land Management *  National Park Service

    Bureau of Indian Affairs * Colorado State Forest Service

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 30, 2008

   HOLIDAY VISITORS REMINDED TO BE SAFE WITH FIRE IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

   MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Lauer, San Juan Fire Management Officer, 970

   385-1346

   The Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center asks that visitors to the

   backcountry this holiday weekend be aware that fire conditions are

   becoming dangerous at lower elevations and higher elevations are also

   beginning to dry out. Although no fire restrictions have yet been placed

   on San Juan Public Lands, extreme caution is urged, and fireworks, as

   always, are prohibited on all federal Lands.

   “Recent thunderstorms have brought us lightning, but only spotty

   moisture, so we are urging visitors to the backcountry to use fire with

   caution, especially in areas with dry grass or dead trees,” said Mark

   Lauer, San Juan Fire Management Officer.

   The following safety tips are highly encouraged:

   - Don’t park cars or recreational vehicles on dry vegetation. Exhaust

   systems can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees; hot enough to

   start a wildfire during the summer.

   - Use an approved spark arrester on off-road vehicles and chainsaws. The

   screen between the exhaust port of the piston and muffler helps ensure

   that sparks generated won’t start wildfires. Check and replace spark

   arresters periodically.

   - Clear the area around campfires.  Remove all vegetation and debris

   from within 10 feet before you start a fire.

   - Make sure that you have a bucket of water, shovel, and other

   implements nearby in case your campfire starts to get out of control.

   - Make sure campfires are completely out before leaving. Stir water and

   dirt into the coals with a shovel or stick until the coals are cool to

   the touch.

   - Extinguish smoking materials only in cleared areas free of vegetation

   or debris.  Never toss cigarette butts out the car window.

   - Fireworks are illegal on San Juan Public Lands. The penalty for

   violators is a maximum of six months in prison and/or $5,000 fine. Those

   responsible for starting a wildfire may also be held responsible for the

   cost of putting it out and for damage caused.

   Although no restrictions are yet in place on National Forest or BLM

   lands, the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservations are

   restricting the use of open fires.

   To report a fire, contact the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center

   at 970 385-1324.