DURANGO – The San Juan National Forest has experienced a remarkably clear and smoke-free summer – so far. Forest visitors have been able to enjoy the forest without any fire restrictions. However, it has been hot and dry for several weeks now – southwest Colorado saw a below-normal summer monsoon, and this has increased the potential for new fire starts. Compound that with increased visitation during the upcoming Labor Day Weekend and the beginning of hunting season, and the potential for new fire starts can increase even more.

To have a fun and safe holiday weekend, fire management personnel would like to provide forest users with these helpful reminders before heading out to their public lands:

• Fire Danger is HIGH to VERY HIGH this weekend. Though there are no fire restrictions in place, campfires should remain in dedicated campfire rings and should remain a reasonable size.

•  Drown your campfire until it is cold to the touch. Always have a bucket of water and shovel nearby and ready to use. Never leave a campfire unattended.

•    Grass is tall and drying out. Do not idle or park your vehicle in tall grass! The undercarriage is hot and can light the grass on fire. Park your vehicles/trailers and off highway vehicles away from dry grass and brush.

•When smoking, always dispose of cigarette debris in an ashtray.

•       When target shooting take a few simple precautions: place your target on dirt or gravel, switch to paper targets, and bring a shovel and fire extinguisher. REMEMBER: Incendiary targets/ exploding ammunition are illegal on ALL Federal lands.

•    Practice proper vehicle maintenance, ensuring that tow chains are secured and vehicles have no dragging parts because even dragging chains along the ground can spark fires. Check your tire pressure and properly maintain your brakes.