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With
the summer season upon us, residents from across the Front
Range will be traveling throughout Colorado to enjoy the outdoors.
But this year, the wildfire danger in Colorado is more severe
than at any other time in the state’s history –
meaning that fires will start easier and spread faster than
ever before.
Already
this year, wildfires have burned thousands of acres and threatened
hundreds of homes in the state. Heading into the weekend,
there are four large wildfires burning out of control. The
summer weather is expected to be warm, dry and windy in much
of Colorado, further increasing the wildfire threat.
Whether
the destination is a national park, a summer cabin, or a simple
springtime drive, vacationers are encouraged to exercise extreme
caution in their travels. To ensure your outdoor adventures
are memorable for all the right reasons, the following recommendations
are offered to those traveling anywhere in the state:
- Do
not start a fire while performing fire mitigation measures.
There have been a number of reported instances of fires
being started in the course of trying to lessen fire risks.
This weekend is an excellent time to clear brush and debris
from around a summer home to mitigate against wildland fire.
Be sure to 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.
- Know
what fire restrictions are in place. Local jurisdictions
in Colorado have different fire restrictions. Before leaving,
travelers should check and see what fire actions are permissible
in the areas they will be visiting. There can be substantial
fines and penalties for failing to obey local fire bans
and restrictions. Information is available from the local
sheriff’s office, or by visiting the website at www.colorado.gov
(click on the fire and drought link).
- Have
fun without fire. In most areas fire use is strictly
limited, including the lighting of campfires and charcoal
cookers. But even without a campfire or cookout, there are
safe and creative ways to have fun while camping.
- Put
a cap on fireworks. From a wildfire perspective, there
are no safe fireworks.
- Keep
butts in the car. Carelessly discarded cigarette butts
are a leading cause of fire; smokers should exercise special
care in disposing of their butts. What would not start a
fire last year will this year.
- Return
safely to summer cabins and homes. On initial trips
back, it is important to make residences fire safe. Clean
up around the house, 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.
- Use
power equipment with extreme caution. Any piece of equipment
with an engine (such as chainsaws, lawnmowers, ATVs, and
automobiles) has the potential to start a fire. Install
spark arresters whenever possible, and only add fuel on
a cleared surface with water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Be especially careful on windy days, and remember that some
jurisdictions limit or prohibit the use of chainsaws and
other equipment.
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