News Release

EMERGENCY FIRE RESTRICTIONS STAGE I

W22-GRSA-VRP
Closure Order #20-006
September 11^th, 2020

EMERGENCY FIRE RESTRICTIONS
STAGE I

The entire area within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is under extreme fire danger due to below-normal moisture conditions combined with unseasonably warm temperatures and windy conditions. The resulting low fuel moisture situation has created severe wildfire conditions and any fire ignitions may result in extreme fire behavior. Additionally, long term forecasts do not anticipate significant improvement in current conditions and the availability of firefighting resources is limited. Such conditions create a severe hazard to human health and safety and potential for serious damage to park resources should a wildfire be ignited.

There, to reduce the risk of fire and protect resources the following restrictions are established under the authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, § 1.5 (a)(1) Closures and Public Use Limits, § 2.13 (c) Fires and § 2.21 (a) Smoking:

The following acts are prohibited on all lands, roads, and trails within the National Park and Preserve-regardless of land ownership, including private property and inholdings, until further notice:

1. Campfires are only allowed in manufactured fire grates in developed recreation sites.

2. Smoking is only allowed in cleared areas, enclosed buildings or vehicles.

Exemptions:

1. Any Federal, State or Local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

2. Persons using devices such as stoves, grills or lanterns with pressurized gas canisters for isobutene or propane that include shut-off valves.

3. Persons within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building.

These restrictions go into effect at 12:00 p.m. on September 11^th, 2020 and remain until rescinded.

Title 36 CFR § 1.5 (a)(1) Penalties

Any person who knowingly and willfully violates the regulations at § 1.5 (a)(1) of this title shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or to imprisonment of not more than 6 months, or both. Restitution for total suppression or damage costs incurred will be borne by the trespasser.


Pamela Rice, Superintendent