Western Slope CO. wildfires and closures

[highcountrymuley]

The first thing I thought when I saw Crosho fire on Monday was "campfire left smoldering".... it started right at the lake with a bunch of camp spots around. Unknown cause but I would bet money on it. No rain/thunderstorms/ lightning around for many days prior. People not local to the DRY mountain west conditions just don't realize how dry the brush and grass is, the lack of humidity and strong winds can whip up a fire in an instant. I don't have fires because I could not live with myself if I started a forest fire.... Dragging chains have started a few along I 70 in western eagle county this summer. You have to be way more careful than you think!!! Please be careful!!

 

[Edge]

@RancherJohn prayers for you and everyone impacted by the fires.

A couple buds and I were in the area when the lightning started Saturday and as we were crossing the BLM roads out of there the fires were already raging and fire trucks were coming on scene. The area was/is bone dry, any roads or two tracks with grass we didn’t drive for fear of fire. We ended up staying a couple nights in a campground vs camping out on the BLM due to fire concerns. We bugged out Sunday morning as it was obvious the fires were raging through the area.

Anyone planning on camping BLM for bow season may need to cold camp, check fire restrictions ahead of time. No open flames of any type with stage 2.

 

[WoolyBugger]

@RancherJohn prayers for you and everyone impacted by the fires.

A couple buds and I were in the area when the lightning started Saturday and as we were crossing the BLM roads out of there the fires were already raging and fire trucks were coming on scene. The area was/is bone dry, any roads or two tracks with grass we didn’t drive for fear of fire. We ended up staying a couple nights in a campground vs camping out on the BLM due to fire concerns. We bugged out Sunday morning as it was obvious the fires were raging through the area.

Anyone planning on camping BLM for bow season may need to cold camp, check fire restrictions ahead of time. No open flames of any type with stage 2.

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Going to be in the area for 2nd season.. do Jetboil type stoves fall into this? Just want to make sure we plan appropriately.. not trying to make the evening news.

 

[Trout&Buck]

Going to be in the area for 2nd season.. do Jetboil type stoves fall into this? Just want to make sure we plan appropriately.. not trying to make the evening news.

Per Forest service a "device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren and cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device" is allowable. BLM has similar wording in their fire restrictions. Not sure who created the above flyer but it doesn't seem to be 100% accurate.

 

[Edge]

Going to be in the area for 2nd season.. do Jetboil type stoves fall into this? Just want to make sure we plan appropriately.. not trying to make the evening news.

If still in Stage 2 fire restrictions, I would interpret no Jetboil stoves from looking at the graphics on the poster. Our small group agreed no open flames and put plan B into effect and went to a campground and used a small camp stove. The campground was just dirt so felt comfortable with a stove on a table.

If we decide to come back and camp outside of a campground we will meal prep so there is no use of open flame.