Residents and visitors to Colorado’s Pike‑San Isabel National Forests will see new fire safety rules take effect at midnight on Aug. 21. The U.S. Forest Service announced that the forests – covering the Pikes Peak, South Park, South Platte, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts, as well as the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands – are moving into Stage One fire restrictions.
What Stage One Restrictions Mean
Under a Stage One restriction, the Forest Service prohibits open flames that could ignite a wildfire. This includes campfires, charcoal grills, and any other unattended burning devices. The goal is to reduce the risk of human‑caused fires during a period of heightened dryness and elevated fire danger.
Duration and Monitoring
The restrictions are scheduled to remain in place through Nov. 14, unless weather conditions change and allow for an earlier lift. Forest Service officials said they will continuously monitor temperature, humidity, wind, and fuel moisture levels to determine if the restrictions need to be adjusted.
Areas Affected
The Stage One rules apply to the following ranger districts within the Pike‑San Isabel National Forests: Pikes Peak, South Park, South Platte, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos. They also cover the adjacent Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, which span parts of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.
Why the Change?
Forest officials cited recent dry weather patterns and an increase in lightning activity as the primary reasons for tightening fire safety measures. While no major fires have been reported in the immediate area, the agency emphasized that proactive restrictions help protect both natural resources and public safety.
What Visitors Should Do
Anyone planning to camp, hike, or picnic in the affected districts should review the specific list of prohibited activities on the U.S. Forest Service website before heading out. Alternative cooking methods, such as portable stoves that do not produce open flames, are permitted under the restrictions.
Local Impact
The new rules may affect local businesses that rely on forest recreation, including outfitters, guide services, and campgrounds. Community leaders have urged visitors to respect the restrictions, noting that compliance helps preserve the forests for future generations.
For the latest updates on fire restrictions and safety guidelines, residents can visit the U.S. Forest Service’s official page or contact the local ranger district offices.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
