Because of the current high temperatures, dry fuel conditions and the occurrence of recent wildland fires, Stage 1 fire restrictions have been implemented for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation as of 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Everyone on reservation land is asked to be very cautious and use common sense with fire this time of year.
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Reservation.
These acts are prohibited for the general public on reservation lands:
- Open burning of trash or yard waste.
- Agricultural burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weeds.
- Campfires outside of officially designated or developed campsites. Charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbecues or fires for sweat ceremonies are permitted, but should not to be left unattended and must be fully extinguished after use.
- Fireworks: possession, discharging or use.
Commercial and industrial restrictions may be obtained from Bureau of Indian Affairs Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling 563-4571.
Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.
Stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in place until conditions improve.
