Fire Restrictions Lifted in Unincorporated La Plata County

Durango, CO – Upon the recommendation of Sheriff Duke Schirard and the local Fire C hiefs, the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners lifted the Stage I fire restrictions in La Plata County, which includes all private lands in the unincorporated areas of La Plata County, excluding those private lands in the town of Bayfield, Ignacio, Durango or any State, Federal or Tribal lands. The fire restrictions were originally enacted to mitigate the high degree fire danger that existed in La Plata County due to a lack of moisture and extremely dry conditions.

Residents must obtain a permit from their local fire department prior to burning:

• Durango Fire and Rescue Authority (for properties in the Animas valley corridor from the north county line to New Mexico), visit http://www.durangofirerescue.org/prevention.html to fill out the online permit, or call 382-6023.
• Upper Pine Fire Protection District (for properties east of Bayfield north to Vallecito), call 884-9508;
• Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District (for properties in west La Plata County surrounding Hesperus to the Colorado/New Mexico state line on Highway 140), call 238-0115; or
• Los Pinos Fire Protection District (for properties in the southeast corner of La Plata County and surrounding Ignacio), call 563-9501.

Although the fire restrictions have been lifted, residents are still urged to exercise caution when burning.