Posted June 24, 2020 –
CT Fire Bans are End To End and All Season Long – A reality nearly every Trail season, this year due in part to the Coronavirus pandemic, FIRE BANS affecting the entire Colorado Trail were put in place in April by the U.S. Forest Service. Authorities expect these to last all Trail season and beyond.
Campfires Are Prohibited – Campfires at dispersed campsites are prohibited. (This prohibition means that CT travelers cannot legally make a campfire.)
Stove Types Prohibited – Backpacking stoves lacking on-off valve are prohibited. (Prohibited stoves include alcohol, Esbit, and twig stoves.)
Stove Types Allowed – Backpacking stoves that are controlled by an on-off valve are allowed. (Allowed stoves include isobutane canister-gas stoves and white gas stoves that are controlled by an on-off valve.)
Fireworks and Other Bans – The fire bans prohibit fireworks and even smoking outside a vehicle.
Revise Your Plan Now – CT travelers should plan now to enjoy their trips without campfires and avoiding stoves lacking on-off valve.
Wildfire Is Catastrophic – The Colorado climate is always relatively dry with low humidity and average rainfall is less than 20 inches. Our mountain landscapes often have plants and soils that are tinder dry. Fires break out easily. A wildfire will often spread rapidly and be catastrophic. In 2017, the human caused “Peak 2 Fire” near Breckenridge burned the forest along The Colorado Trail and, beyond devastating Mother Nature, threatened people’s lives and homes. Every year there are wildfires in the Colorado mountains. Already in mid-June this year, 2020, there are multiple wildfires in and around the Colorado mountains.
Be Alert and Cautious With Flame – Every single Colorado Trail traveler should follow the rules and be super cautious with all flame. We ask you to comply.
Douse Unattended Campfires – If you come across unattended campfires others have started, please douse them with loads of water until they are cold to the touch all the way through.
Spread the Word about Bans – If you encounter others who have campfires or are using prohibited stoves, please (courteously) let them know about the fire bans that are in place.
Covid Considerations – Authorities placed these bans early and broadly to make wildfires less likely and protect our firefighters whose involvement often requires base encampments that would risk the health of these first responders.
