Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

Fire Prevention Begins with YOU!!

Fire prevention comes in many forms. Whether we are camping, hiking, riding ATV's or recreating in other ways we need to be extremely cautious of our actions. When it comes to fire, ALWAYS check to see if fire restrictions are in place in the area you plan to visit. Please see the following tips to help you learn about fire safety when you are enjoying your public lands.

A discarded cigarette can cause a wildfire and litter your beautiful land. Be sure to extinguish your cigarette butt and take the butt home with you. When taking a drive, use your ash tray. Never throw your cigarette out of your car window.

Spark Arrestors are required on all motorcycles and ATV's that are ridden on public lands. Not only is a spark arrestor required, it must be functioning properly. Read your owners manual to see what you need to do to keep your spark arrestor clean and in working order. Never ride off marked trails or park on dry grass. Your hot exhaust could start a grass fire.

Never drive or park your vehicle on tall dry vegetation. The heat from your vehicle can start a wildfire.

Fireworks are never allowed on pubic lands. Not only is it illegal to light them on public lands, it is illegal to possess them. Leave your fireworks at home!

When considering the perfect place for your campfire please ask yourself the following questions:

• Did I bring lots of water and a shovel to put my campfire out?
  • If you didn't bring these things, do not light a campfire. You will need to be prepared to extinguish your campfire before you light it.
• Is there an existing rock ring that I can use?
  • If there is please use it. There is no need to cause any more damage by building a new one.
• Is there an area clear of all vegetation?
  • Please do not light your campfire in the grass. You can easily start a wildfire this way. Clear away any grass, dead leaves or pine needles from at least 5 feet away from your campfire ring.
• Is there any over hanging branches?
  • Be sure that the area you are building your campfire in is free of overhanging branches for at least 10 feet.
• Is it windy?
  • Do not start a campfire when it is really windy. The embers from your campfire can blow into the nearby vegetation and start a wildfire.

Once you have lit your campfire safely, NEVER leave it unattended. Not even for a few minutes. One good wind gust and the embers from your fire could land in the surrounding vegetation and possibly start a wildfire.

When you are ready to put your campfire out, start before you pack up! It will take time for your fire to cool completely before it is safe to leave. Use your water that you brought and pour it on the campfire. Use your shovel to stir the water, dirt and ashes. Keep stirring it until you think it's cool. Feel the ashes with the back of your hand. If the ashes are still hot, repeat the process and let the ashes cool some more. DO NOT leave the ashes until they are cool to the touch or the fire could reignite.

Once you start a campfire you are legally responsible for making sure it doesn't escape and is completely our before you leave. If your campfire starts a wildfire you WILL be held responsible for the cost of fighting the fire.

Fire Restriction Definitions