After the first Red Flag Warnings of the fire season in Routt and Moffatt counties were issued Sunday, officials continue to encourage extra caution on dry, windy days, even if no Red Flag Warning is in effect.

On Red Flag Warning days and throughout the hot summer months, residents and visitors should exercise vigilance in performing daily tasks, like grilling or mowing the lawn.

“The stuff that worries me is people driving with campers and their chains dragging, creating sparks along the roadway, or flicking cigarette butts out of a window,” said Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council Executive Director Josh Hankes. “Anything that can create a spark or flame … All of that should be thought of differently when there’s a Red Flag Warning.”

“A Red Flag Warning tends to be indicative of low humidity and higher wind,” continued Hankes. “When you have those conditions paired, they can dry out the vegetation that has benefited from recent precipitation much more quickly.”

For outdoor recreationalists, Hankes recommends planning far in advance for dry conditions and educating themselves on safe practices.

To stay educated and vigilant, the U.S. Forest Service highly encourages checking fire danger levels.

In addition to recently issued Red Flag Warnings, the Forest Service also raised its average Fire Danger Status to moderate in eastern portions of Routt County, and high in central and western areas.

The agency evaluates fuel moisture, which accounts for the moisture found in brush and trees, all season long. Average fire danger levels are determined based on these findings and other data points, said Forest Service District Ranger Michael Woodbridge.

“Always check those Smokey Bear signs,” said Woodbridge. “Those are great places to check (fire danger). And it’s always changing.”

Woodbridge added that the second-best place to check for fire danger levels is the Northern Colorado Interagency Dispatch website, which is consistently updated.

Although Routt County isn’t currently under any fire restrictions, Woodbridge and Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue Chief Chuck Cerasoli strongly advised people to avoid open burns. If an open burn is necessary, never leave it unattended.

“When done with a campfire, always put it out by the drown-and-stir method, don’t just dump water on it and leave it,” said Woodbridge. “After stirring it, check it to make sure everything is out before you leave.”

“We had an escaped campfire yesterday that North Routt Fire and U.S. Forest Service resources responded to,” Woodbridge continued. “Luckily, it didn’t grow into a large wildfire, but there is always that possibility. Human-caused wildfires are preventable.”

Cerasoli added that he uses a propane fire pit when he goes camping, rather than wood fire pits.

“I don’t even take the chance anymore,” said Cerasoli.

Throughout fire season, officials hope recreationalists will enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. 

“Keep an eye out. Make it a purposeful part of your camping trip or adventures,” said Cerasoli. “Check to see if a Red Flag day is predicted or if it’s happening. Then be smart about what you’re doing and your activities.”

To view up-to-date fire danger levels, visit TinyUrl.com/zkpky99d.

To sign up for Routt County Emergency Alerts, visit TinyUrl.com/mv5pbjtk.