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Open Burning and Fireworks Prohibited for Fourth of July

frankieleon
/
Creative Commons

If you’re hoping to have any fires over the Fourth of July holiday, a campfire in the mountains may be your best bet, and if you want to see fireworks, you should probably go to a town display. All non-public land in Montezuma County and almost all land in southeastern Utah will be under increased fire restrictions for the holiday weekend and beyond, and federal lands do not allow fireworks at any point during the year.

Last week, the Montezuma County commissioners enacted a county-wide ban on fireworks and open burning in the wake of the Sage Hen fire near Dolores.

On federal lands in Southwestern Colorado, restrictions are about the same:  fireworks and open burning are not allowed. Fire management officials for the Forest Service and Park Service tell KSJD that while they have considered further restrictions, they have decided not to to enact any at this time.

In southeastern Utah, fire restrictions are tighter. A press release from the Utah Interagency Fire District says that as of July 1st, uncontained campfires, fireworks, and smoking outside of enclosed areas will not be permitted below 7000 feet in four counties in Southeastern Utah, including San Juan. That includes BLM and National Park Service land such as Canyonlands and Arches.

Finally, in San Juan County, New Mexico, and in Dolores County, Colorado, no fire restrictions have been publicized. The discharge of fireworks is also prohibited in the Navajo Nation and on Ute Mountain Ute Tribal lands, but tribal governments haven’t enacted further restrictions.

The fireworks restrictions do not apply to city fireworks displays. Area fireworks displays remain scheduled at this time. 

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