Fire Restrictions
Why Fire Restrictions? The Science Behind the Decision
Have you ever been affected by “Fire Restrictions” while recreating in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland? Ever wondered why this system came to be and why it’s important? Maybe you’ve seen the colorful “fire danger rating” signs outside a fire station or weren’t able to build a campfire at your favorite campground. The decision to enforce fire restrictions is based on closely monitored data and criteria that indicate there is an elevated risk of extreme wildfire behavior.
Beginning as early as 6,000 BC and spanning throughout ancient societies, people have been implementing proactive community based “fire restrictions” - hazard mitigation protocols to prevent destructive fires. Since its founding in 1905, the U.S. Forest Service has contributed to developing our modern process of identifying wildfire risk. Professionals regularly monitor weather trends and forecasts (wind, rainfall, drought, temperature), collecting data on fuel moisture levels (see info below), and assessing the historical records of wildfire behavior in specific areas of the United States.
What are Forest Service Fire Restrictions?
Roughly 85% of wildfires are human caused (dragging vehicle chains, unattended campfires, parking in dry grass, discarding cigarettes, etc.) During the hot, dry summer months in Colorado, the likelihood of human caused fire is heightened. Fire restrictions are specific, legal regulations of the use of fire to reduce the potential of human-caused fires during periods of elevated wildfire risk. Classified as Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3, these restrictions may vary by district of the forest. It is important to check the Fire Restrictions page for updated restrictions and daily fire danger status for each district of our forest.
Weather stations positioned throughout the national forest also provide helpful data in determining wildfire risk levels. They monitor wind direction and speed, temperatures, atmospheric pressure, humidity and rainfall.
Certain criteria must be met for a fire restriction order to be considered and approved by the Forest Supervisor. Experts are continuously monitoring and evaluating fire weather forecasts, historic wildfire occurrences, precipitation and temperature outlooks, drought conditions, wind speed, lightning and storm activity, area preparedness levels, fire suppression resource availability, and fuel moisture content. During the heat of the season, this monitoring is happening twice a month by our fire staff. Extenuating circumstances such as busy holidays or hunting seasons, and whether fire restrictions might have social, political, or economic impacts are considered. If enough criteria are met, fire staff may recommend restrictions until environmental conditions change.
Fuel Moisture Sampling
Twice a month, wildland firefighters cut small sections of wood from fuel sample sites positioned strategically throughout the national forest. These sample sites mimic the conditions and moisture levels of dead and downed trees on the forest floor, and give fire managers updated information to incorporate into their wildfire risk evaluations.
Firefighters also collect samples of pine needles twice monthly. Pine needles are a “light, flashy” fuel type that would potentially ignite and carry fire faster than large pieces of wood. Both pine needles and wood samples are compiled to create a picture of the forest’s fuel moisture levels.
Finally, samples are weighed after collection and placed in an oven for 24 hours to remove residual amounts of water moisture before being weighed again. The difference informs fire managers on how much moisture is in the collected material. Moisture levels can be affected by rainfall frequency and duration, cloud cover, temperature, drought and wind. If fuel moisture is significantly low, fire restrictions may be considered until conditions improve.
Additional Fire Restriction Information
The National Fire Danger Rating System, created in 1972, has functioned as a consistent, inter-agency decision framework in determining daily fire danger levels. The statistical analysis of fire history, weather, and moisture levels of fuels (dead and live combustible materials within the ecosystem that have the potential to burn) influence the daily fire danger level. Ranging from low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme, fire danger levels reflect when we should be on the lookout for potential fire starts, and when it may or may not be a good day to have a backyard fire. Separate from fire restrictions, the rating system is a helpful tool to understand risk levels related to fire, and is updated daily through the careful monitoring of environmental conditions. Look for signs as you enter a National Forest or pass a local fire department, or check for updates here.
For updated Forest Service and county fire restrictions, visit our Fire Restrictions Page, or County Fire Restrictions. You can also follow us on social media or sign up for the forest’s newsletter for updates.
If you are on private or county land, follow county fire restrictions or ban notices. If you are on National Forest land, at one of our designated campsites or elsewhere within the boundaries of the National Forest, follow the specific restrictions posted by the Forest Service.
Yes, fire restrictions on Forest Service land are enforced by federal law. A violation of the prohibitions specifically defined for the forest and district you are within may be punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
If you accidentally cause a fire or see one on the landscape, call 911 immediately to report.
For updated Forest Service and County fire restrictions, visit the forest’s Fire Restrictions Page or County Fire Restrictions.
For information on fire prevention visit our Prevention page or Preparing Your Home Against Wildfire.
Fire Restriction Signs
These are some examples of fire prevention and fire restriction signs you might see when visiting the Forests and Grassland.
