The Twitchell Fire southwest of Richfield, Utah, is the source of haze experienced the past few days in Moffat County and surrounding areas, the Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit reported Wednesday evening.
The fire is 20,870 acres, and is being managed for multiple objectives including benefits to natural resources, according to a release from the fire unit.
Unit representatives also urge Northwest Colorado residents and visitors to use care when dealing with fire.
Fire danger is slated as very high to extreme in Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, and high to very high in Routt, Jackson and Grand counties.
“With little measurable rain in the last couple weeks, vegetation is dry and becoming dormant, making it ready to burn,” the release states. “The potential exists for large fire growth under current weather conditions.”
There have been several recent fires caused by sparks from welders and grinders, debris burning, over-heated brakes on ATVs, and unattended and escaped campfires, according to the release.
The fire management unit offers the following safety tips for fire use:
• Clear vegetation and debris to bare soil in areas where fire will be used, allowing a 10-foot perimeter around burn or campfire sites,
• Have water and a shovel handy,
• Be sure cigarettes and matches are cold before discarding them,
• Never leave a campfire unattended and stir water and dirt over coals until cool to the touch,
• Contact your local sheriff’s office to inform them of agricultural burns,
• Never burn or use fire on windy days,
• And don’t park in tall grass or brush, as hot tail pipes can start fires.