Enjoy the stars this July 4 when celebrating at the PSICC

PUEBLO, Colo., July 1, 2025 — Celebrating July 4 outdoors is a national tradition, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service welcomes visitors this Friday. But remember, fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on public lands — every forest, every grassland, every campsite, every day.  

District offices and the Supervisor’s Office in Pueblo will be closed Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of Independence Day. All offices will resume regular business hours on Monday, June 7, 2025. 

As forests and grasslands expect a record number of visitors at our eight districts, remember — leave fireworks and sparkly displays to your city and other professional organizations. Nationally, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. So, with a bit of planning, you can enjoy the starry skies while being outdoors smart.  

To ensure a safe, fun Independence Day, remember the following:  

• Know Before You Go. Visit the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC) website for alerts on recreation sites and trails. 
• Have backup destinations in mind, in case an area is temporarily closed or too crowded.  
• Help prevent human-caused wildfires. Currently, there are no fire restrictions on the PSICC; however, as temperatures rise and weather changes, this can change. Carry tools to extinguish a flame and report a fire by calling 911.  
  • Leave fireworks at home. Fireworks are never permitted on the PSICC. 
  • Keep vehicle safety in mind. Do not drive or park on dry grass. Hot exhaust pipes or sparks can start a fire. Loose chains from pulling a trailer can also drag and cause sparks. 
  • Practice campfire safety and use the drown, stir, feel method when extinguishing your campfire. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. 
  • Smoke responsibly. Follow all posted restrictions. Never discard cigarette butts on the ground or in vegetation. Fully extinguish cigarette butts before throwing them away. 
  • Practice firearm safety. Place your target on dirt or gravel, choose safe targets and ammunition, bring a shovel and fire extinguisher and report any fires by calling 911. 
• Stay water smart. Lots of people escape the heat by enjoying the water this holiday. 
  • Do not enter cold, rapid water and never enter the water to rescue a victim.  
  • Throw something that floats and call 911.  
• Recreate Responsibly. Enjoy our beloved natural spaces while keeping yourself and others safe.  

For forest and grassland updates, follow the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands on Facebook and X.  

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live. 

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