The U.S. Forest Service is urging the public to fully extinguish campfires amid “a dangerous trend in outdoor recreation,” according to a news release from the Pike-San Isabel National Forests.

From the start of the year through July 12, there have been 139 abandoned or unattended campfires reported to the Pueblo Interagency Dispatch Center. Abandoned and unattended campfires are reportedly “one of the leading causes of catastrophic wildfires,” the release states.

Pike-San Isabel National Forest fire prevention specialist Vidalia Vigil said campers need to check for red flag warnings and fire restrictions before heading out.

“Be campfire aware,” Vigil said in a statement. “Make sure the campfire site is not near your tent, flammables or other belongings. Always completely extinguish a fire before you leave – even if you plan to come back – and make sure your fire is out before you go to bed.”

The Interlaken Fire at the Twin Lakes recreation area near Leadville started from an abandoned campfire and went on to burn 700 acres near the historic Interlaken Resort. 

In the weeks since the Interlaken Fire, National Fire Preparedness Levels have risen and now stand at 4 out of 5, indicating that significant wildland fire activity is occurring in multiple geographic areas with a substantial commitment of resources. Level 4 also indicates that resource demand is expected to increase.

Meanwhile, in the White River National Forest — the most visited national forest in the U.S. — public affairs officer David Boyd reported that over the past weekend, officials discovered more than a dozen unattended campfires across the forest.

Boyd noted that the White River National Forest has already seen one wildfire caused by an abandoned campfire so far this year. The Wellington Fire, which sparked earlier this month less than a half-mile from a residential neighborhood in Breckenridge, shows “that it only takes one (unattended campfire) to start a wildfire,” he said.

The Wellington Fire burned less than an acre, and officials have credited previous fuels reduction work in the area with helping to protect the neighborhood.

Campers should come to the forest prepared, bringing a bucket, plenty of extra water to drown the fire and a shovel to stir the ashes, according to the Forest Service. Campers should then drown the campfire again, stir it again and use the back of their hand to ensure it is cold to the touch, repeating the process if it is not.

Those who violate regulations that prohibit abandoning a campfire could face fines or possible jail time, according to the Forest Service. If the abandoned campfire causes a wildfire, those who abandoned it can also be held responsible for fire suppression costs.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating an abandoned campfire near the Dillon Valley Trailhead, and officials say charges will be filed if a suspect is positively identified.

Anyone who comes across an abandoned campfire, should extinguish it, if possible, or call the local non-emergency dispatch number or local national forest district to report it.