Southern Ute Reservation initiates Stage I fire restrictions

Due to the current high temperatures, dry fuel conditions and the occurrence of recent wildland fires, Stage I fire restrictions will be implemented for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Everyone on reservation land is asked to be very cautious and use common sense with fire this time of year.

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Reservation.

The following acts are prohibited for the general public on reservation lands:

1. OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.
2. AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of cropland, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.
3. CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed campsites is prohibited. The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies; however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.
4. FIREWORKS. Possession, discharging or use of any type of fireworks is prohibited.

Commercial and Industrial restrictions are attached or can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling 970-563-4571.

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code. The Restrictions will become effective at 6 a.m., July 1, 2016 and will remain until conditions improve.

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