Colorado public land agencies: Be prepared & prevent wildfires by recreating responsibly

Larimer County Natural Resources and seven other Northern Colorado public land agencies remind everyone to recreate responsibly as wildfire risks are expected to continue year-round amid rising temperatures, sustained drought, and windy conditions that Colorado communities have seen in recent months.

Following the devastating Marshall Fire and other recent wildfires along the Front Range, public land managers remind visitors to exercise extreme caution to prevent wildfires. With visitation expected to increase significantly over the coming months, visitors should consider several critical “know before you go” guidelines about fire safety before visiting public lands:

• Know fire regulations that apply to the area you plan to visit. In Larimer County parks and open spaces, the following actions are prohibited: To build a campfire outside of metal grills or to relocate grills; to leave a fire unattended; to collect firewood on any area administered by Larimer County; to violate any fire ban or fire restriction prescribed by Larimer County or State of Colorado; to possess or discharge any firework of any kind; or to allow a fire to burn carelessly. Officials will issue citations to anyone who violates fire regulations meant to protect shared public lands and visitors.
   
• Know the current fire risk. Check all fire restrictions and fire bans instituted by local authorities and public land managers. larimer.org/emergency
   
• Create a plan. Look at the weather forecast. Download a trail map and carry a print map. Create a plan for adverse weather or emergencies, such as fires and floods. Know where you are going and consider alternative routes you can take to leave the area. Access public land websites for current advisories – including Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX).
   
• Charge your phone. Make sure your phone is charged in case you need assistance or there is an emergency. But remember: Cell service may be extremely limited in mountain locations.
   
• Don’t take unnecessary risks. Consider not visiting public lands during adverse weather conditions. 
   
• Stay alert when on the trail. Be aware of your surroundings. Always stay focused on what’s in front and around you as the outdoors are changing environments and natural hazards may be present. Call 911 if there is an emergency, such as a fire starting or if you see smoke. Try to text 911 if you don’t you have enough cell service to get a phone call through.

Other public land agencies joining Larimer County in reminding visitors of these tips include Boulder County Parks & Open Space, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, City and County of Denver Parks & Recreation, Jefferson County Open Space, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.  

For more tips on how to recreate responsibly in Larimer County, visit our webpage. For more information about our parks and open spaces, visit Larimer County Natural Resources.