U.S. Forest Service prepares for weekend fire threat

DURANGO, Colo. — The U.S. Forest Service is working to ensure a fire-free weekend in the Four Corners. The three districts of the San Juan National Forest are already very busy.

“These three recreation areas are very popular and we will see a lot of camping activity throughout the weekend,” said Toby Cook, deputy fire officer with the U.S. Forest Service.

Cook and his team will visit as many campsites as possible.

“It’s a great time to get out with family and friends and enjoy the national forest, but if you plan to have a campfire, make sure you have the tools with you to properly put out the fire,” said Cook said.

“Once you're done with the fire, really fan it,” he said. “Don’t just dunk it in water and walk away. Make sure you feel it with the back of your hand, first to feel the heat, then really get to work and rub your hand through the whole thing to make sure there isn't a single hot ember left. the interior.

He said it's important to do this even if you're not going away for long.

“By moving away from it for a few minutes, wind gusts can arise and cause a wildfire,” Cook said.

The U.S. Forest Service isn't the only team monitoring the forest this weekend.

“We also have a lot of people from the recreation program that will be out in the woods and out there helping and assisting people and educating them, as well as our law enforcement officers,” Cook said.