There’s no denying Colorado summers are breathtakingly beautiful. From outdoor activities, to wandering around Mountain communities, Colorado’s dry climate and warm temperatures attract thousands of visitors every year. Although this makes for the perfect atmosphere to explore our state, it also makes our environment susceptible to wildfires. Whether you are a resident or visitor, it is extremely important to be aware of fire conditions across the state.
The Colorado Division of Emergency Management is your resource for up to date information on location and status of fires in Colorado. You can find out current fire restrictions by county here. As we navigate through wildfire season in Colorado, we want to make sure all Colorado residents and visitors have the resources and knowledge they need to be proactive, aware and safe.
Below are Tips and Resources from the US Forest Service for Colorado Residents and Travelers to Help Prevent Wildfires:
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Use an existing fire ring, don't create a new one. When not in a designated campground, build your fire within a ring of rocks.
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Clear all vegetation away from the fire ring (remove all flammable materials such as needles, leaves, sticks, etc.)
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Select an open level spot away from trees, logs, stumps, overhanging branches, dense dry grass, and forest litter.
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Keep your campfire small.
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Keep plenty of water and a shovel nearby for throwing dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.
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Never leave a campfire unattended! Even a small breeze could quickly cause the fire to spread. Make sure a responsible adult is always in attendance.
Extinguish Your Campfire Properly by Following These Steps From the US Forest Service:
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First, drown the campfire with water!
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Next, mix the ashes and embers with soil. Scrape all partially-burned sticks and logs to make sure all the hot embers are off them.
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Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure that everything is wet.
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Feel the coals, embers, and any partially-burned wood with your hands. Everything (including the rock fire ring) should be cool to the touch. Feel under the rocks to make sure no embers underneath.
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When you think you are done, take an extra minute and add more water.
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Finally, check the entire campsite for possible sparks or embers, because it only takes one to start a forest fire.
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Remember…if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
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