Statewide Fire Ban Impacting Campers

DENVER (CBS4) - Earlier this week the extreme fire danger across Colorado prompted Gov. John Hickenlooper to ban all private fireworks and some outdoor burning.

The open fire ban applies to the entire state and could impact campers.

Much of the Eastern Plains are in high fire danger. The western half is in high and extreme fire danger.

The only place campfires are allowed in Colorado is in a developed campsite with a metal fire ring. The Forest Service says that's a maintained and regulated fire ring that allows for safer burning.

In other parts of the forest it's just too easy for the fire to get out of control, or embers to fly away.

"There are places where people can just drive off, and where there is some disperse camping, where people have camped before, where there are fire rings made out of rocks. That is not a developed campfire ring and fires are not allowed there," a Forest Service official said.

At the Dillon Ranger District some backpackers have asked about fires, but have been told in undeveloped areas the answer is no and will be until the fire ban is lifted.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.

- Read recent Wildfire stories.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfire (Fourmile Fire) and largest wildfire (Hayman Fire) in Colorado history.