Gov. Bill Owens has called for a ban on open fires and fireworks on all state property.
The hot and dry conditions, along with the numerous fires burning across the state of Colorado, have triggered firefighters and the governor to call for preventative measures. Owens is asking local governments to implement the same bans on fireworks and open fires.
"The conditions, in fact, across Colorado are bad," said Owens. "Colorado hasn't been this prone to fire danger since the summer of 2002."
The summer of the Haymen Fire was the worst in Colorado history. Owens said the state is better prepared to respond and right now, the higher elevations are not quite as vulnerable. The moisture content in the mountains is slightly higher.
"I'm hoping that the more tourist-oriented areas of Colorado -- the mountains, the Aspens, the Vails and the Tellurides -- are not going to have the horrible forest fires we had back in 2002," Owens said.
There has been little relief to those living on the eastern plains of Colorado. As much as 50 percent of the state's wheat and alfalfa crops may be lost. The short-term weather forecast does not promise much rain.
"The first or second week of July we may see the Southern monsoon flow come through," said Larry Helmrick of the fire coordination center. "We can only hope it does, because we definitely need it."
People have started more than half of the fires in Colorado. After the fires of 2002, the Legislature stiffened the penalties for those who start wildfires.
Previous Stories:
- June 21, 2006: Owens Surveys Wildfire, Grants $3 Million In Emergency Funds
- June 21, 2006: Metro Area Smoke Coming From Pike National Forest Fire
- June 20, 2006: Fire Grows To Nearly 9,000 Acres
- June 19, 2006: Lightning Sparks Several Fires, Including At State Park
- June 18, 2006: Ralston Creek Fire 80 Percent Contained
- June 18, 2006: Wildfire Near Dinosaur National Monument Contained
- June 17, 2006: Drought Forcing Fire Sales Of Colorado Cattle Herds
- June 16, 2006: Crews Make 'Excellent Progress' Against Colorado Fires
- June 15, 2006: 100 People Flee Fire In Southern Colorado
- June 15, 2006: Insurance Companies Sue U.S. To Recover Hayman Fire Claims
- June 14, 2006: Grass Fire Breaks Out In Weld County
- June 14, 2006: Fire Shuts Down C-470
- June 14, 2006: Wildfire Burns 800 Acres In Northwest Colorado
- June 13, 2006: Computers Help Colo. Firefighters Spot Problem Homes
- June 12, 2006: Western Slope Wildfire Burns South Of Grand Junction
- June 12, 2006: Garfield County Latest To Join Open Fire Ban List
- June 9, 2006: Arapahoe County Enacts Open Fire Ban
- June 8, 2006: Huerfano County Fire 75 Percent Contained
- June 7, 2006: 100-Acre Fire In Southern Colorado 20 Percent Contained
- June 6, 2006: Several Homes Evacuated In Huerfano County Blaze
- June 4, 2006: Wildfire Danger Brings More Fire Bans
- June 1, 2006: Two Teens Cited For Starting Woodmen Valley Fire
- May 29, 2006: Pine Valley Fire 100 Percent Contained
- May 29, 2006: Jefferson County Wildfire Sparks Concern
- May 28, 2006: Park County Fire Prompts Subdivision Evacuation
- May 26, 2006: El Paso County Wildfire Contained
- May 25, 2006: Crews: Fire Started By Landowner Burning Trash
- May 25, 2006: Fires Burn Across State Amid Dry, Hot Weather
- May 24, 2006: Wildfire Burning Near Air Force Academy Contained
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