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Fire Management Guidelines for Agricultural and Debris Burning

Colorado
Event Coordinator
Geoffery Harrison
Event Dates
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Event Description

Keep it controlled:

Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, Meeker Fire/Rescue, Rangely Fire and the Bureau of Land Management encourage Northwest Colorado residents to adhere to responsible practices concerning agriculture and debris burning. With the arrival of spring and the greening of grasses, it is essential to implement precautions due to the abundance of dead vegetation which can easily ignite and lead to the rapid spread of fire.

Planning a controlled burn:

We ask that you contact Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office at 970-878-9600, informing dispatch the day you are burning, phone number and the location of your controlled burn.

Recommendations for responsible burning:

  • Check your location. Controlled burns are allowed in Rio Blanco County and the Town of Rangely but not within Meeker city limits.
  • Weather awareness: knowing the forecast for the day you burn and the day after you complete your burn.  We do not recommend burning on days with winds higher than 10 MPH or during red flag warnings or fire weather watches.
  • Fire restrictions: Stay informed about any active fire restrictions in your area.
  • Safety equipment: Keep a shovel and a sufficient amount of water nearby to control or extinguish the fire as needed.

Never leave fires unattended: Always monitor your fire until it is fully extinguished to prevent accidents.

Legal responsibilities:

Be aware that if an agricultural or debris burn results in damage to private, state, or federally managed lands, you may be subject to fines and liable for all associated suppression costs.

Stay safe and responsible while burning!

Published on:

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.