The U.S. Forest Service has seen a high number of unattended campfires this summer, a dangerous trend witnessed in outdoor recreation and a leading cause of wildfires in the region.
According to an announcement from the Forest Service, 139 abandoned campfires have been reported to the Pueblo Interagency Dispatch Center through Friday.
“As National Fire Preparedness Levels rise, and the peak of summer still to come, the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands are urging the public to prioritize proper campfire safety precautions when recreating on national forests and grasslands,” the Forest Service said in an emailed news release.
Compared with 2023, the rate of unattended fires decreased slightly as the Forest Service saw 156 fires in the past year.
According to Forest Service spokesperson Josh Cowden, the majority of the fires reported were witnessed in dispersed campsites throughout the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.
"Forest personnel that patrol the forests and grasslands find abandoned and unattended campfires all over," Cowden said.
"There are areas in the forest that are identified as 'problem areas,' or popular areas that are in high use and are known to find abandoned campfires. The bottom line is that abandoned and unattended campfires are found throughout all parts of the forests and grasslands and recreationalists have the responsibility to make sure their campfires are dead out," Cowden said.
No arrests have been made, he said.
On June 11, the Interlaken fire near Leadville erupted from a campfire that had not been properly put out.
After burning just over 700 acres, the blaze was deemed 100% contained on June 24.
"What happened at Interlaken was the people probably put some water on the embers before leaving their campsite, but not all of them got put out," Lake County spokesperson Betty Benson said.
"Two or three days later, the wind picked up and caught those embers and reignited those particular embers, which then found some additional fuel nearby. People seem to think Smokey the Bear will come out and put out their fires if they don't, but that just doesn't happen."
Benson explained that while people might believe their campfire is extinguished after pouring water on the flame, embers might remain hot and ignitable. It's important to douse the fire with water and ensure the remains are cool enough to be touched.
One of the largest wildfires in state history was started by an abandoned campfire northwest of Lake George during a period of severe drought and extreme fire danger in 2002.
According to a previous report by The Gazette , the Hayman fire that burned 138,000 acres and destroyed 133 homes erupted after former Forest Service fire spotter Terry Barton set letters from an estranged husband afire at a campground fire pit.
Barton was charged with arson. She was found guilty on federal and state charges, sentenced to six years on federal charges and 12 on the state charges. Her sentences were served concurrently. In 2018, Barton received 15 additional years of unsupervised probation.
Summer in southern Colorado has brought increased dryness and record-breaking temperatures throughout the Pikes Peak region, creating a perfect environment for wildfires.
Ashley Franco, spokeswoman with the Colorado Springs Fire Department, said crews have seen an increased number of structure fires and outside fires in the region this season.
Forest Service officials are urging the public to stay fire-aware and to practice safety by being aware of fire restrictions, using fire rings when available, clearing vegetation before starting a campfire, and always bring enough water to extinguish a fire.
“Come to the forest prepared by bringing a bucket, plenty of extra water, and a shovel to drown and stir the campfire until it is completely out. To completely extinguish your campfire, drown the fire with water, stir with your shovel, drown again, and feel for any heat using the back of your hand. Continue this process until no heat remains,” officials said.
Individuals who violate fire restrictions or regulations in Colorado are subject to fines up to $5,000, six months of imprisonment, or both.
“Having conversations and educating one another is a way to hold each other accountable while recreating responsibly,” said Cowden, who also urged residents to report abandoned campfires by calling county non-emergency staff or the local district office of the Forest Service.
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