Wildfire Awareness And Human Activities
Wildfire Awareness And Human Activities
Wildfire Awareness And Human Activities
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, a 10-year average concerning the causes of wildland fire revealed that 87% of these fires were human caused.
As we approach another wildfire season it is worth reviewing some of the regulations and precautions we can take as good citizens.
Owners and visitors to Santa Fe Trail Ranch (SFTR) are subject to rules regarding the use of fire and activities that can cause combustion under Las Animas County and the SFTR Covenants.
In Colorado we are generally always under some level of fire ban. In the past the ban was generally reduced to a Level 2, which allowed for more fire related activities, particularly during the winter and spring. That is not the case anymore. We have currently been under a Level 1 Fire Ban since August 2022. The sheriff is authorized to enforce the ban in unincorporated Las Animas County, under C.R.S 30-10-512 and violations have both criminal and civil consequences. The conditions of this ban are available for review on the SFTR website.
Most importantly Level 1 bans all open and charcoal fires except within a developed commercial campground or picnic ground on public property.
If you operate a chain saw, you are required to have a shovel, chemical fire extinguisher and 5 gallons of water. Be aware that the water requirement has been increased in the past so updates to this might occur in the future.
Smoking in open areas is restricted to non-combustible areas with at least a 5-foot radius. Cigarette butts (such as those recently found along Timber Park) are to be extinguished and properly disposed of.
Please make the person(s) visiting or working at your property aware of this. It continues to be an issue on the ranch.
Under SFTR Covenants, Section 5.17, No “open ground” or “above ground” fire is allowed on any Lot or Common Area. Additionally, no charcoal grills are permitted.
Among the many things we can do to decrease the chances of wildfire include making sure trailer chains are not dragging in the roadway, and avoiding parking vehicles with catalytic converters in areas with tall grass.
One final thought, if we have a lightning storm, please look for smoke. I know of one occasion where a resident on the ranch looked for smoke, found smoke and kept a fire contained to one tree. The comm center in Trinidad dispatches for all of the fire departments in the county, the sheriff’s department, and the ambulance district, and yes, the number is 911.
