Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Start Monday

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Start Monday

Montrose County will institute Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Monday, May 21st.

There is a slight chance of showers over the weekend. A 20% chance on Saturday afternoon and evening and just a 10% chance on Sunday. That's not enough to hold off a Stage 1 Fire Restriction. After this weekend's slim chance there's little hope of any mosturie looking into next week.

Grand Junction and surrounding area NWS forecast:

Saturday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east southeast after midnight.
Sunday
A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. East southeast wind around 5 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.
Sunday Night
A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 83.

Look for Mesa and other area counties to be included in the ban as we head into next week. "Unfortunately we have reached a point where enacting stage 1 restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of wildfire," says Montrose County Sheriff Rick Dunlap. "I would also encourage residents to sign up for the Sheriff's Office Emergency Notification System, CodeRED, to stay informed this fire season."

The Stage 1 Fire Restrictions do not allow burning of any kind including agricultural burning, campfires, and fireworks. Smoking cigarettes outdoors also banned, unless in an enclosed vehicle or building. Campfires in a pre-approved campground, State Parks or approved KOA campsites, or enclosed fire pits are permitted.

Remember too that the fines for violating the fire ban include: Class-2 offense with a fine from $100 to $500. If a fire causes property damage, criminal charges may be filed.

Filed Under: Grand Junction NWS office, Montrose County, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Categories: Outdoors, Western Slope News

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