DENVER — Recent winter weather has helped crews get a handle on a number of wildfires burning in Colorado, and that much-needed moisture has also allowed officials to reopen more forest land.
The U.S. Forest Service reopened Monday additional forest access across the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests after wildfires and extremely dry conditions forced the temporary closure of all forest land last month.
Closures will remain in place around areas that experienced wildfire in Grand, Boulder and Larimer counties, the Forest Service said. They said these areas present a public safety threat as burned trees can fall unexpectedly, hot spots are still burning, and new hazards can be hidden under snow.
Officials said recent snowfall is the season-ending event fire managers have been awaiting. However, the potential for new fire starts still exists, so a Stage 2 fire ban remains in place across the entire Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland.
A Stage 2 fire ban means no open flames are allowed, including charcoal grills, wood stoves, and fire pits. Gas powered cooking stoves with an on off switch are permitted. In Boulder, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties, the Stage 2 fire ban includes a no recreational shooting restriction but hunting with a license is allowed.
