The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Be careful
By Katherine Nettles
Independence Day weekend is the biggest weekend of the year for celebrating with campfires and fireworks, but visitors to the local national forest, BLM and other natural surroundings of the Gunnison Valley might want to hold off on the combustibles, or at least use them carefully given current dry conditions in the area.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Red Flag Warning Monday through Thursday of this week, and a Fire Weather Watch given warm temperatures, high winds and low humidity. Both the warning and watch are issued when weather conditions are expected to meet certain temperature, wind and humidity criteria.
“This coming weekend and the Fourth are still a bit far out for their weather modeling,” said Gunnison County emergency services director Scott Morrill. But he advised that people may be misled by the sense of plentiful precipitation from the winter and spring protecting against fires during the warmer, drier months.
“With the amazing snowpack and wet spring we had, it seems that people are lulled into a false sense of security regarding wildfire. Vegetation dries out quickly in these conditions, and there is a considerable amount of woody debris built up from all the beetle kill,” he said.
Crested Butte Fire Protection District fire chief Robert Weisbaum echoed that while there are no current fire restrictions in place in Crested Butte, “We are seeing red flag warnings with an increased fire danger rating that is currently at HIGH. Red flag warnings are issued with high winds, dry conditions, and low humidity. While we have been very fortunate to have a great winter snowpack drying conditions coupled with increased recreation and travel can lead to increased opportunity for fire,” said Weisbaum.
Weisbaum offered some reminders to residents and visitors.
“We want everyone to enjoy our great community while keeping safety in mind. There are a few tips we’d like to encourage everyone to know. Be aware of the fire danger rating. Fire danger signs are posted in several spots in our district. We always update these as the rating changes. If a red flag warning is in effect, you will find a red flag flying from the sign. While the weather can change in a moment’s notice here in Colorado, conditions appear to improve throughout the week according to the latest predicted indices. We will continue to have a watchful eye on this.
“Remember to utilize safe practices for campfires,” he continued. “It is your responsibility to ensure the fire is out when you leave your site. Please pre-plan on bringing enough spare water to extinguish your fire so that it is cold to the touch. Often times, we respond to smoldering and unattended campfires. Help us keep the community safe. If you come across an unattended site, please call into Gunnison dispatch or come by the CBFPD fire house to report the location and we will happily help out.”
Last, Weisbaum pointed out that most fireworks are illegal in the state unless handled by permitted professionals.
“Fireworks are fun. They create excitement and enjoyment for many,” said Weisbaum. “We encourage people to be safe and understand the risks with certain types of fireworks. Any firework that leaves the ground is illegal in Colorado unless it is ignited at a professional organized show. Remember that fireworks such as mortars or bottle rockets can cause brush fires as the trajectory of the firework can sometimes go rogue. We appreciate everyone’s effort to keep our valley safe while enjoying some great summertime fun with family and friends. We hope to see many of you in the July 4th parade and perhaps for some pancakes at our fire house.”
Updated weather forecasts can be found at www.weather.gov and updated fire information for the Western Slope can be found at westslopefireinfo.com.
