For Immediate Release: April 5, 2018
- - - Gunnison County Emergency Management Public Service Announcement - - -
Moderate Fire Danger in Gunnison County
The warm, dry and windy weather has increased the fire danger in Gunnison County. There are currently NO fire restrictions in place; however, residents and visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution with campfires, charcoal grills and agricultural burning.
Outdoor enthusiasts:
- Clear flammable material away from campfires.
- Before lighting a fire, check current fire restriction information.
- Put out your campfire with water before you leave and make sure the ashes are cool to the touch. NEVER leave campfires unattended for any reason. Contain fires within rings, stoves, grills or fireplaces provided for that purpose.
- YOUR campfire is YOUR responsibility.
- Fireworks and other explosives are not allowed on any federal lands, including campgrounds and recreations areas.
State, federal and local agencies are monitoring the weather and fire conditions closely and regularly. If enacted, fire restrictions and bans will be strictly enforced. For current Gunnison County fire restriction information, helpful websites and information, visit Gunnison County Emergency Management’s "Wildfire Info" website at http://www.gunnisoncounty.org/fire. Current Fire Restriction information for Gunnison County is also available via recorded message at 970-642-4690.
Fire Danger Rating System:
Low | Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands, although a more intense heat source such as lightning may start fires in duff or punky wood. Fires in open cured grasslands may burn freely a few hours after rain, but timber fires spread slowly by creeping or smoldering, and burn in irregular fingers. There is little danger of spotting. |
Moderate | Fires can start from most accidental causes, but, with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low. Fires in open cured grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Timber fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel, especially draped fuel, may burn hot. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fires are not likely to become serious and control is relatively easy. |
High | All fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are hit hard and fast while small. |
Very High | Fires start easily from all causes and spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity immediately after ignition. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in light fuels may quickly develop high intensity characteristics such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds when they burn in heavier fuels. |
Extreme | Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the Very High fire danger class. Direct attack is rarely possible and may be dangerous except immediately after ignition. Fires that develop headway in heavy slash or in conifer stands may be unmanageable while the extreme burning condition lasts. Under these conditions the only effective and safe control action is on the flanks until the weather changes or the fuel supply lessens. |
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