Glenwood Springs–No more campfires of any kind will be allowed within the White River National Forest. Forest Service Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams is calling for a Stage 2 ban effective Friday, June 22nd. Fitzwilliams says moisture content in trees and soil above 8 thousand feet is at historic lows ranging from 5 to 10 percent. Typically for this time of year, he says it should be in the 50 to 60 percent range. Fitzwilliams says he’s especially concerned about communities within the wildland/urban interface in the White River National Forest like Vail, Glenwood Springs, Summit County and Aspen. The Stage 2 ban prohibits campfires of any kind as well as welding, smoking and of course absolutely no fireworks of any kind. Fitzwilliams says he was able to secure 75 thousand dollars in severity funding from the regional office to increase patrols in vulnerable areas and signage to boost public awareness. Fitzwilliams says the goal right now is to minimize the chance for human caused fires. He says he can’t remember the last time the forest service ordered a Stage 2 ban.
Read Fitzwilliams entire order here.
