As spring gives way to summer, our eyes often turn to examine the snowpack levels, and how fast or slow they melt off. In years that present a steady melt, fire season tends to be short and manageable. However, in years when we experience early melts in February/March, and above-average Spring temperatures, that wet season cushion is gone.
Snowmelt plays a critical role in shaping the length and intensity of wildfire season. When the snow disappears early, the ground dries out faster. That means vegetation becomes fire-prone sooner, river stream flows drop, and conditions that support wildfire spread settle in weeks ahead of schedule.
“If you notice an unattended fire, smoke, or suspicious activity, report it immediately to local authorities (Emergency Services via 911) or Steamboat Resort staff (970-871-5911). Quick response can prevent a small incident from becoming a destructive wildfire.“
Raising Awareness
During dry years the reality of wildfire season sets in quick. Guests will notice firmer soils and more arid conditions around Northwest Colorado. At Steamboat Resort, we actively work on fire mitigation strategies to address these urgent conditions. All on-mountain staff receive fire training provided by the Steamboat Fire Department, United States Forest Service, Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council, and other fire-focused organizations in the Yampa Valley. In addition, all on-mountain vehicles carry 5-gallon backpack pumps in the case of small fires, and snowmaking guns are charged throughout the summer as a fire management strategy.
But we cannot eliminate the risk of wildfire without a commitment from you to being fire aware.
Becoming Fire Aware
The best way to mitigate wildfire risk is to stay educated. Be informed of current conditions, seasonal trends, and current restrictions in your area. Check out the resources listed below for more information about wildfire risk, current restrictions, and resources for protecting your home or property.
How You Can Help
When we enter the heart of fire season, Steamboat Resort kindly urges all visitors, employees, and community members to take wildfire prevention seriously, both at the resort and outside of the resort. With high temperatures, dry vegetation, and earlier-than-usual snowmelt, the risk of wildfire is elevated across our region.
Many wildfires are human-caused and entirely preventable. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or biking please take a few moments to review the ways you can help protect our forests, wildlife, and community.
Know the Risks, Prevent the Spark
Smoking
Please be extremely cautious when smoking outdoors. Vegetation and soil conditions are drier than usual, making it easy for a single ember or cigarette ash to ignite surrounding fuels.
- Always fully extinguish cigarettes before discarding.
- Never toss butts on the ground or out car windows, even if they seem extinguished.
- Consider avoiding smoking altogether in dry, grassy areas.
Campfires
Campfires pose a serious risk during fire season.
- Check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire, even in designated rings.
- Never leave a campfire unattended, and always extinguish it completely with water and dirt.
- Be especially cautious in windy conditions, which can carry sparks into dry brush.
Vehicles and Parking
Your car might be carrying more than just gear and it could unintentionally start a fire.
- Avoid parking on dry grass or vegetation. The heat from exhaust systems or catalytic converters can ignite fires in seconds.
- Secure trailer chains to prevent them from dragging and sparking on the pavement.
- Maintain your vehicle to prevent leaks and overheating.
If you notice an unattended fire, smoke, or suspicious activity, report it immediately to local authorities (Emergency Services via 911) or Steamboat Resort staff (970-871-5911). Quick response can prevent a small incident from becoming a destructive wildfire.
Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. A small spark can have devastating consequences but with awareness and care, we can protect the places we love. Thank you for being part of the solution and helping keep Steamboat safe.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high fire danger
PROHIBITIONS:
- No building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire* without a permit.
- Personal portable wood/charcoal fire pits/rings, often made of stainless steel.
- No smoking unless in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
- No operation welding, acetylene, or other torch with an open flame.
- No operation or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
EXEMPTIONS:
- USDA approved, metal fire rings.
- Sheepherder’s stoves with working spark arrestors.
- Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices with an on/off switch that meet the fire underwriter’s specification for safety.
- Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
- Resident owners and leasers of land within the restricted area are exempt from above restriction provided such fires are within the residence.
- Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions help land management agencies reduce fire risk and prevent wildfires during periods of high to extreme fire danger.
PROHIBITIONS:
- No building, maintaining, or using open fire, campfires, or stove fires*.
- No smoking unless in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or within a three-foot diameter cleared to mineral soil.
- No operation welding, acetylene, or other torch with an open flame.
- No operation or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
EXEMPTIONS:
- Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
- Resident owners and leasers of land within the restricted area are exempt from above restriction provided such fires are within the residence.
- Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of official duty.
Stage 3 Fire Restrictions
Stage 3 Fire Restrictions are implemented when fire danger is extreme.
At times, public land management agencies may enact closures for specific geographic areas, or the entire unit to pro-actively protect life and property. Whenever a closure is implemented, the public cannot enter any affected public lands, roads, or trails.
