MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – Fire crews had an eventful Thursday as they responded to five different wildfires caused by lightning, according to the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit (UCRIFM).
One of the blazes, Bunkwater, was west of De Beque and contained the same day it started.
UCRIFM stated that although these wildfires were caused by the weather, community members can reduce human-caused fires. The interagency noted it is important to follow fire restrictions.
Mesa County is currently under a Stage 1 fire restriction, which includes bans on:
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Personal use of fireworks.
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Campfires outside of selected fire pits or rings.
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Agricultural open burning without a sheriff’s issued burn permit.
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Use of explosive targets.
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Smoking outside near combustible materials.
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Operating any internal combustion engine like a chainsaw. It must have a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained and in working order.
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Welding or operating Acetylene or other torches with an open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter. Users must have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
UCRIFM stated that following these guidelines allows crews to focus on lightning-caused fires, which can spread quickly. For example, the lightning-caused Turner Gulch Fire near Gateway, which started July 10, has grown to over 21,000 acres as of Friday.
“Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe and ensures that our firefighters can respond effectively when it matters most. Thank you for doing your part to protect our land and communities,” UCRIFM said.
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