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Every
year, Coloradoans fan out on Memorial Day weekend to celebrate
and enjoy our state’s natural beauty. From the Front
Range to the Colorado Plateau, there are countless opportunities
for those eager to experience nature.
But things
are different this Memorial Day. The wildfire danger in Colorado
is more severe than at any other time in the state’s
history. Simply, fires will start easier and spread faster
than ever before.
Already
this spring, we have seen thousands of acres burned and hundreds
of homes threatened. At least four large wildfires are burning
right now. The weather this weekend is expected to be warm,
dry and windy in much of Colorado and that means the wildfire
threat will be even greater.
Regardless
of how often we venture outdoors this summer, we have an obligation
to behave in ways that will prevent human-caused fires.
To ensure
that this holiday weekend is memorable for all the right reasons,
keep these fire safety recommendations in mind:
- Know
what fire restrictions are in place in your community and
in the areas you will be visiting. Information is available
from the local sheriff’s office, or by visiting www.colorado.gov
(click on the fire and drought link).
- Have
fun without fire. In most areas of the state, fire use is
strictly limited. That includes lighting campfires and charcoal
cookers.
- Put
a cap on fireworks. From a wildfire perspective, there are
no safe fireworks.
- Keep
cigarette butts in the car. Carelessly discarded cigarette
butts are a leading cause of fire.
- Return
safely to summer cabins and homes. On your initial trips
back, clean up around the residence, limb-up trees, remove
pine needles from the roof and check the chimney flue for
animal nests or other blockages. Visit www.firewise.org/co
for clean-up tips.
- Be
careful not to start a fire while mitigating fire hazards
on your property. Restrict chainsaw use to the cool part
of the morning, and use the afternoon to collect and dispose
of debris. Keep water and firefighting tools handy, and
watch for any signs of fire.
- Use
power equipment with extreme caution. Any equipment with
an engine – such as chainsaws, lawnmowers, ATVs, and
automobiles – has the potential to start a fire.
Beyond
following these recommendations, we also share a responsibility
to inform others. Visit www.co.blm.gov/fireprev for informational
materials. We are all in this together. Be creative –
each of us can protect our homes and forests by helping others
take extra precautions with fire.
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