The Craig office of Northwest Colorado Fire Management reports fire danger is low the Memorial Day weekend, which means currently the potential for large intense wildfires is at a minimum.

However, fire safety always needs to be observed as lighter vegetation, like grass and brush, can dry out quickly and combined with dead vegetation from last year can easily carry fire, especially if there is wind. Recent rain has moderated the fire danger in many northwest Colorado areas and snow is lingering at some higher elevations.

“While our area has received rain and green-up is underway in fine vegetation, the larger fuels and trees still suffer from the effects of drought and are ready to burn. We’ve responded to a number of small and single-tree fires from lightning associated with thunder storms,” remarked Colt Mortenson, Northwest Colorado Fire Management Officer.

No fire restrictions are in place in Grand, Jackson, Routt, Moffat or Rio Blanco Counties. Still, leaving a campfire unattended is a fineable offense and is careless. Anyone found responsible for the start of a wildfire can be held liable for a portion or all fire response actions.

To view a statewide listing for fire restrictions visit: http://www.coemergency.com/ . To report a fire call 911.