Forest Service Considers Bringing Back Fire Ban In Certain Areas

LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - As of Wednesday the northern part of Colorado has high fire danger, and the U.S. Forest Service fears it will only get worse.

Boulder County just declared a fire ban a few days ago and now the Forest Service is actually considering launching new fire bans.

The Forest Service is considering criteria to see if they can put a fire ban in place for Larimer County after a wildfire broke out in the Big Thompson Canyon on Wednesday.

Crews started before sunrise to get control of the Narrows Fire in Larimer County so the fire wouldn't get out of hand.

"Fire danger has crept up very high in the area, particularly at our lower elevations," Forest Service firefighter Jane Gordon said.

Officials said the Narrows Fire could be contained as early as Wednesday night, but there's concern conditions will get worse.

"We all know we haven't had any rain lately and temperatures have been super hot," Gordon said.

The High Park Fire was only 30 miles from the Narrows Fire. It was the first of two mega-fires in the most destructive summer in Colorado history. Those conditions haven't reappeared, but firefighters say it wouldn't take much.

"People need to be careful with their campfires. It's not a good time to burn debris. We have these hot, hot days with wind and it's just a recipe for fire," Gordon said.

The Forest Service is asking people to be extra vigilant with open flames. They expect the current situation to last for weeks or even months.

"It's been an incredible fire season," Gordon said. "Is there fatigue? Of course, but our crews are ready."

A fire ban in Larimer County could go into effect in as little as a week.

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