The Forest Service says accidents and fatalities are on the rise in national forests around Grand Junction.

In the past four weeks, five people died in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. The Forest Service says with more people staying home for vacations, the local forests can see an increase in visitors and that people need to be careful.

"We really want people to have a great time in our forests, but its really sad when anybody dies. It’s especially tragic when you're out with your family and friends trying to have a good time and some tragedy happens,” says Lee Ann Loupe of the USDA forest service

The forest service says alcohol consumption, driving too fast, and crashes between ATV'S and off highway vehicles have all been factors in the recent fatalities.