Fire restrictions ordered for Eldorado National Forest

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Because of increased fire danger, special fire restrictions will be in effect in the Eldorado National Forest beginning today.

Ramiro Villalvazo, forest supervisor, issued an order that restricts campfires and charcoal barbecues to designated recreation sites and prohibits other fire-related activities until the end of the fire season.

A list of these sites is available on the Eldorado National Forest Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/.

The restrictions apply to the entire Eldorado National Forest, including wilderness areas.

The order also prohibits operating or using an internal or external combustion engine without a proper spark arrester, welding, and smoking outside specific locations.

Exempt from the order are individuals with a Forest Service permit authorizing the prohibited activities.

Villalvazo said Forest Service fire prevention employees will patrol the forest daily looking for unsafe situations.

Violation of the fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

– Cathy Locke