Alamosa firefighters were called to an area on the north edge of East Alamosa around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday where a field fire appeared to be getting out of hand, contrary to Stage 1 fire restrictions put in place that morning by Sheriff Robert Jackson. A Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control team assisted in fighting the blaze. The photo is slightly distorted due to heat and smoke from the fire. (Courier photo by Keith R. Cerny).

Stage 1 in Alamosa County

ALAMOSA — Stage 1 fire restrictions were put in place Wednesday by County Sheriff Robert Jackson and will continue for one week, through April 22. This includes agricultural burning.

Both Conejos County and the Rio Grande National Forest are under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Fire restrictions help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme danger.

Prohibitions under Stage 1 include building, maintaining or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, including charcoal barbecues and grills, except those using certain permanent fire pits and some items using gas, jellied petroleum and pressurized liquid fuel.

Smoking is also prohibited except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of flammable material.

Other restrictions apply relating to use of chainsaws, welding and use of explosives. Stage 2 prohibits all of the same, but also includes use of fire in developed camping and picnic grounds.

Sheriff Jackson said his seven-day fire ban will remain in effect through at least April 22 unless the area receives significant moisture. His decision was based on the advice of local fire experts citing dry fuel (vegetation, etc.) conditions and nearly daily Red Flag Warnings due to high winds.

“There is no exception for agricultural burning,” Jackson said, “so if they haven’t burned already, they’re going to have to wait until we get moisture or at least seven days.”

He added that the word hadn’t adequately gotten out on Wednesday resulting in several fires north of town. In a daily update from SLV Emergency, residents were reminded “If you reside in a county that does not currently have fire restrictions in place, please ensure you check the weather prior to burning and do not burn on a day with a red flag warning. Also, consider not burning at this time for the air quality concerns for those who have a chronic or acute respiratory illness.”