The Bureau of Land Management closed all of its administered lands in Boulder and Larimer counties on Wednesday because of CalWood fire activity and dangerous weather conditions.

The CalWood fire began Saturday, quickly growing to 9,915 acres as of Wednesday morning. The fire is 21% contained.

“This unusual step is being taken due to concerns for public safety and to aid ongoing fire suppression operations,” said Royal Gorge Field Manager Keith Berger. “We hope that this action is short-lived, and we intend to rescind these restrictions as soon as possible.”

The closure prohibits anyone from entering BLM land in the counties unless if escorted by authorized officials.

Officials exempt from the closure include on-duty firefighters and rescue workers, land-use authorization holders, grazing permittees and people conducting authorized operations such as maintenance and safety.

A stage 2 fire restriction is currently in place in the Royal Gorge Field Office for lands not covered by the closure. The fire order will be in effect until Nov. 3.

Boulder County Park and Open Spaces also closed to the public Wednesday, in addition to all National Forest land in Clear Creek, Jefferson, Gilpin, Boulder and Larimer counties.

A red flag warning is in effect from noon Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday as a result of high winds and low humidity.