ALERT: The San Juan National Forest Fire Management Staff are implementing Stage I Fire Restrictions in lower elevations beginning at 12:01 am on Thursday, July 13th. The minimum fine for violating campfire restrictions in Stage I is $530 in Colorado. Fire restrictions will only be implemented in lower elevations to account for variable conditions across the forest. Low elevation areas are more susceptible to wildfire risk due to rapid vegetation curing and dry surface fuels, while higher elevation areas are still green and maintaining higher fuel moistures. There are no fire restrictions in the higher elevation areas of the #SanJuanNF. Under Stage 1, campfires are only allowed in developed Forest Service campgrounds with a metal or concrete fire ring. There are also limitations on smoking, operating a chainsaw, and other activities.