Many visitors to the Canyon Lakes Ranger District are still unaware of the fire restrictions in place on the forest and within Larimer County.
The Canyon Lakes Ranger District is in Stage 1 fire restrictions. These restrictions limit where and what type of fires visitors can have. Forest visitors cannot:
·Build or maintain a fire or use charcoal, coal, or wood stoves, except within a developed recreation site. (fee campgrounds and developed picnic areas)
·Use explosives, including fireworks.
·Smoke, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials.
·Possess or use a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within ten feet of the roadway or parking overnight in a developed campground or trailhead.
·Weld or operate an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
·Use any internal or external combustion engine (including chainsaws) without a spark arresting device properly working.
Unless a visitor is in a developed campground (where a camping fee is charged) or a developed picnic area with a metal fire structure, you cannot have an open fire. These areas are marked by large brown signs identifying the area as a campground or picnic area. Please be extremely careful with all fire that is allowed and make sure your fire is out cold before leaving.
It is also important for visitors to know that there is still smoke in the area of the Hewlett Fire, located along the Poudre Canyon. Smoke could be visible from within the interior of the fire for weeks to come as unburned pockets of fuel continue to ignite. The fire is contained; however, firefighters continue to patrol the area.
Each visitor is asked to do his or her part to help prevent future wildfires.