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BLM To Lift Fire Restrictions In Colorado River District On Friday

The Bureau of Land Management will lift its fire restrictions on public lands within the Colorado River District starting Friday morning.

The BLM first implemented the fire restrictions in June. They later extended them due to the lack of rain.  But after widespread rainfall, the agency determined that the likelihood of wildfire has lessened.

In a statement, the BLM asked the public to be aware of fire regulations, restrictions or area closures.

  • Metal fire rings or grills should be used where present. Wood placed on a fire should never exceed the size of the grill or fire ring.
  • If building a fire on the ground (in areas where permitted), a location should be selected which is away from adjoining or overhanging flammable material, and the ground beneath and around the fire should be cleared of all flammable materials. On windy days fires should be avoided if possible.
  • If you have a campfire, make sure it is fully extinguished before leaving the area. Fires should be doused with water and dirt and stirred with a shovel until completely cold to the touch.
  • If you are using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other fine fuels. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.
  • Cigarettes should never be thrown out the window of a vehicle. Instead, ashtrays should be used in order to prevent wildfires.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles — pack out cigarette butts and burned materials from your camping area.
  • Never park a vehicle over dead grass; the catalytic converter can ignite the vegetation.
  • Use caution while discharging a firearm, operating an internal combustion engine, welding, or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame, or using explosives (where permitted).
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KJZZ senior field correspondent Kathy Ritchie has 20 years of experience reporting and writing stories for national and local media outlets — nearly a decade of it has been spent in public media.