MONTROSE – Fire managers with the Montrose Interagency Fire Management Unit, composed of the Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre and Gunnison Field Offices; the National Park Service Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area; and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, are not planning on issuing fire restrictions on federal lands for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. However, the public is advised to be careful and use caution on public lands and national forests during the coming weeks. The hot temperatures of June have dried out the area’s vegetation, especially below 8,000 feet, increasing the potential for wildfires.

“It looks like it will be great weather the entire holiday week, and we want folks to enjoy their public lands,” said Fire Management Officer Steve Ellis. “But we need to avoid human-caused fires in anticipation of needing our resources to fight wildfires caused by lightning – so please be careful out there.”

The following safety tips are encouraged to help prevent an unwanted wildfire:

· Remember fireworks are illegal at all times on public and national forest lands.

· Dispose of cigarette butts in an ashtray or other appropriate container.

· Make sure chainsaws have working spark arresters, and carry water, a shovel, and fire extinguisher when cutting firewood.

· Park your vehicle in areas cleared of vegetation. Use caution when accessing areas with tall, dried vegetation as hot mufflers and catalytic converters from vehicles and ATVs may start a fire.

· Follow good campfire (including charcoal fire) etiquette – never leave it unattended, keep a shovel and water handy, and always put them completely out every time you leave camp. Pour water on the ashes and stir until there is no smoke and ashes are cool to the touch.

Those found negligent in escaped fires could be held liable for both the suppression costs and reclamation of the damaged resources.  So, please enjoy your public lands but use caution as we enter the 2007 fire season. Contact your local BLM or Forest Service Office for additional information.