Colorado Campers Hope To Get Campfires Going Again Soon
DENVER (CBS4) - When Gov. John Hickenlooper lifted the statewide fire ban, it didn't mean campfires and barbecues popped up instantly.
Most counties, state lands and federal lands have their own bans in place and many are staying put for the moment.
Mike and Angela Alverez spent $70 on a grill so they could cook out when they camped at Cherry Creek State Park, but it's not the same.
"The main thing for camping for us is to make a campfire," Mike Alverez said.
The governor said part of his reason for dropping for the ban was to get that iconic image of a flickering campfire back in the public's mind.
"We want the state and the rest of the country to know that Colorado is open for business," he said as he lifted his ban.
Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson isn't sure lifting the ban right now is the right thing, he'd like to know more about the forecast.
"For at least a day until I have the opportunity to visit with the fire chiefs across Arapahoe County and the emergency managers," Robinson said.
Jefferson County also said it would take lifting bans under consideration but it is also looking at the forecast. Rocky Mountain National Park also said it has no immediate plans to end restrictions.
The governor agrees, it's good to be cautious.
"Some of the counties are awfully dry and still have some fires burning," Hickenlooper said. "We're not saying fire season is over, we just not in that situation to take every precaution."
But for many campers, nothing -- including a fire ban or a rainstorm -- will keep them from Colorado's outdoors.
