Fire danger is moderate on public lands in Southwest Colorado heading into the Fourth of July holiday, according to the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center.

Rainfalls for the season are below normal, and high temperatures and low humidity have left trees, brush and grass dried-out and ready to burn.

Although fire restrictions are not in place on federal lands, there are things visitors can do to help prevent forest fires:

• Check fire conditions before you visit an area and observe any restrictions that may be in effect. Call or visit the nearest U.S. Forest Service/BLM office to find out what the fire danger is.

• Don’t park cars or recreational vehicles on dry vegetation. Exhaust systems can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees, hot enough to start a wildfire.

• Use an approved spark-arrestor on off-road vehicles and chain saws.

The screen between the exhaust port of the piston and muffler helps ensure that sparks generated won’t start wildfires. Check and replace spark-arrestors periodically.

• Clear the area around campfires. Remove all vegetation and debris from within 10 feet before you start a fire.

• Make sure that you have a bucket of water, shovel, and other implements nearby in case your campfire starts to get out of control.

• Make sure campfires are completely out before you leave. Stir water and dirt into the coals with a shovel or stick until the coals are cool to the touch.

• Extinguish smoking materials only in cleared areas free of vegetation or debris. Never toss cigarette butts out the car window

• Remember that fireworks are illegal on national-forest and BLM lands. The penalty for violators is a maximum of six months in prison and/or $5,000 fine. Anyone responsible for starting a wildfire may also be held responsible for the cost of putting it out and for damage caused.