Moisture from this week’s snowstorm has done little to quench thirsty forests and grasslands, prompting several counties to impose fire restrictions.
“The fuel moisture levels are lower now than they were in 2002 during the Hayman fire,” said Greg Griswould, emergency management director for Teller County.
On Wednesday, Teller County implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibit open burning, ban smoking except inside closed vehicles or buildings, limit recreational fires to developed camping or picnic areas, and forbid the use and sale of fireworks.
Allowed are charcoal-grill fires and the use of liquid-fueled devices.
The 138,000-acre Hayman fire – the largest and most destructive in Colorado history – burned 133 homes in four counties.
Douglas County, which also was heavily hit by the Hayman fire, moved to Stage 1 fire restrictions for unincorporated areas Tuesday.
The Board of Commissioners blamed the “significant threat” of fire, citing future weather forecasts, lack of precipitation and an abundance of dry fuels.
The restrictions are “necessary for the immediate preservation of public health, safety and welfare,” the commissioners’ resolution read.
Other counties and agencies are watching conditions closely and are considering fire restrictions.
“I’m really concerned,” said Bill Lucatuorto, president of the Jefferson County Fire Council. Lucatuorto, who also is chief of Inter-Canyon Fire and Rescue along U.S. 285, said he has received numerous calls from residents nervous about city dwellers flipping cigarette butts out of their cars.
Already under fire restrictions are Conejos, Huerfano, Lincoln, Morgan, Park, Phillips, Prowers and Pueblo counties. Colorado Springs imposed restrictions April 20.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
