Re: As to the closure...

I still think that the closure without proper enforcement increases the risk rather than reduces it. It keeps out the law abiding citizens that wouldn't start a fire, while those that would won't have any problem ignoring the closure. They will probably enjoy not having any pesky DCV members warning them that fires are illegal. In addition with less people down there, if an illegal fire did get out of control it will have plenty of time to catch on well before it is reported.

Another point is that most of the recent fires were started by arsonist. No closure would stop an arsonist, and my concern right now is that these post could be giving someo arsonist an idea.

Finally, with areas of the BLM land opened to OHV a fire could be started by a spark (or itentionally) on BLM land and given the right conditions burn down to DC and up the other side. At two of the recent fires a motorcycle was seen in the area just around the time the fires started.

I honestly think that the closure increases the risk rather than reducing it. That's why I thing the better policy is to alow respectful citizens down that are willing to report anyone with a fire. All they need to do is catch one person, and apply a serious punishment, publicize it and you will see an immediate increase in compliance.