Stage 1 fire restrictions begin Thursday for all Bureau of Land Management public lands administered by the Tres Rios and Uncompahgre field offices within the boundaries of Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, portions of Gunnison, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties, including Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and the Uncompahgre Field Office side of Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area.

The restrictions align with local orders and guidelines to protect the public’s safety during high fire danger.

Under Stage 1 fire festrictions:

Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds (i.e. a metal, in-ground containment structure – fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable).No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas.No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or in a barren area free of vegetation. No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except an area that has been cleared of vegetation.No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.

Stage 1 fire restrictions on these lands will be effective at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and will be in place until further notice. Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months, or both.

Those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.

Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.

For more information, visit www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/get-involved/fire-prevention.