So far this year, Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center has responded to 28 fires on the San Juan National Forest, and 22 of them were abandoned or unattended campfires.
Six of those fires were reported over the Memorial Day weekend, including one north of Mancos and one in the Haycamp area.
Anyone identified as abandoning a campfire or leaving it unattended for any length of time risks federal citations as well as liability for costs associated with any resulting wildfire response.
Fire restrictions have not been placed on public lands yet this year, but the fire danger is considerable, and forest users are warned to take basic precautions.
To report a fire, call 911 or contact the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 385-1324.
