Fire restriction updates for Arapaho, Roosevelt Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

The forest service has put in place fire restrictions for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland due to continuing dry and warm conditions, according to a news release from the agency.

The Stage 1 restrictions for Larimer, Weld, Clear Creek, Gilpin and Boulder counties prohibit the following:

• Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a developed campground or recreation site with established forest service fire rings or grills.
• Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating a chainsaw without an effective and properly installed spark arrestor, a fire extinguisher kept with the operator, and a shovel.
• Blasting, welding, or operating a torch with an open flame without being in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and having a fire extinguisher kept with the operator.

Fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands as well as Bureau of Land Management public lands and within boundaries of a National Park Service site .

More: Colorado's 20 largest wildfires happened this century. Here's how things are changing.

If you are responsible for causing a wildfire, you can be held liable for the suppression costs. Violating the restrictions can also lead to a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual, more than six months in prison or both, according to the release.

Under the Stage 1 fire restrictions, the following is allowed:

• Open fires contained in permanently constructed metal or concrete fire pits and/or charcoal grills that the forest service has installed and maintained at its developed campgrounds and picnic areas.
• Liquid or gas fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices with on/off switches on surfaces clear of flammable vegetation.

For more information on fire restrictions, road conditions, trail closures and more, head to the forest service website .

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fire restriction updates for Arapaho, Roosevelt Forests and Pawnee National Grassland