Southern Ute Indian Reservation initiates Stage II Fire Restrictions

Due to current high temperatures, dry fuel conditions and the occurrence of the recent wildland fires, Stage II 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 II Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators, and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. 

Prohibited acts: 

1. OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited. 

1. AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited. 

1. CAMPFIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited. Charcoal broilers and wood and coal stoves used outside of dwellings are classified as campfires and prohibited. Campfires for ceremonial sweats may be allowed only upon approval from the BIA Fire Office. 

1. FIREWORKS. Possession, discharging or use of any time of fireworks is prohibited. 

1. SMOKING. Smoking is restricted to designated areas, within structures or within vehicles equipped with ashtrays. 

Individuals intending to use a campfire for ceremonial purposes, such as sweat, must contact the BIA Fire Office for approval prior to the ceremony. Please plan for ceremonies in advance to ensure proper approval has been granted. 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517, Ignacio, CO 81137 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., June 15, 2022 and will remain until conditions improve. 

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