07/01/2021
Even with the moisture Colorado has recently received, many counties and forests are in different stages of fire bans or restrictions. Please follow http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html for the most updated conditions. Be aware that even if a county doesn’t report restrictions, the forest can implement them under special order.
Click on the “STAGE I or STAGE II” for forest orders. Click on “MAP” for areas impacted.
PUBLIC LANDS USFS:
ARAPAHO AND ROOSEVELT NATIONAL FORESTS: ALERTS AND NOTICES
BOULDER, CLEAR CREEK, GILPIN COUNTIES STAGE I
WELD AND LARIMER COUNTY STAGE I
GRAND MESA. UNCOMPAHGRE AND GUNNISON NATIONAL FORESTS: ALERTS AND NOTICES
DELTA, MONTROSE, MESA, SAN MIGUEL, HINSDALE, GUNNISON AND SAGUACHE COUNTIES: STAGE I MAP
PIKE AND SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS: ALERTS AND NOTICES
NO RESTRICTIONS. CHECK WITH FOREST AS CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE
SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST: ALERTS AND NOTICES
ALL SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST STAGE I MAP
WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST: ALERTS AND NOTICES
ALL WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST STAGE II AND MAP
ROUTT NATIONAL FOREST: ALERTS AND NOTICES
ALL ROUTE NATIONAL FOREST STAGE I MAP
RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST: ALERTS AND NOTICES
NO RESTRICTIONS. CHECK WITH FOREST AS CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE
BLM LANDS:
NORTHWEST DISTRICT: RESTRICTIONS
UPPER COLORADO RIVER DISTRICT: RESTRICTIONS
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT: RESTRICTIONS
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT: RESTRICTIONS
Definitions of Stage 1, 2, and 3:
Colorado Burn Ban Definitions
STAGE I The following acts are prohibited until further notice:
1). Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, coal or wood burning stove, any
type of charcoal fueled broiler or open fire of any type in undeveloped areas.
2). Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site or
while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable
vegetation.
3). Using explosive material: (i.e.: fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device which may
result in the ignition of flammable material.)
4). Welding, or operating an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame.
5). Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly
installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either:
STAGE II The following acts are prohibited until further notice:
1). Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, coal or wood burning stove, any
type of charcoal fueled broiler or open fire of any type.
2). Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
3). Using explosive material: (i.e.: fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device which may
result in the ignition of flammable material.)
4). Welding, or operating an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame.
5). Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly
installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either:
6). Operating a chainsaw without a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8
ounces capacity by weight, and one size 0 or larger round pointed shovel with an overall length
of at least 36 inches. The extinguisher shall be with the chainsaw operator. The shovel may be
kept with the fueling supplies but readily available.
Other possible restricted acts under Stage II
Operating a motorized vehicle off designated roads and trails.
Operating a chainsaw outside the hours of 5:00 am and 11:00 am.
Overnight camping limited to listed campgrounds and recreation sites. (An attachment of
designated sites would be included)
Mechanical stoves and appliances fueled by bottled or liquid gas which allow the operator to
control and extinguish the flame with a valve are permitted provided that such devices are
approved by Underwriters Laboratory Inc.
Owners or lessees of land in the restricted area.
Residents in the restricted area.
STAGE III Stage III fire restrictions involve closure of public lands. Evaluation guidelines are
reviewed to determine threshold levels that substantiate the need for closures. Examples
include:
Potential loss of life due to explosive fire conditions.
Potential for extreme or blowup fire behavior.
Stage II or State III restrictions are not effective in reducing the number of human-caused fires.
Resources across the geographic area are at a critical shortage level.
Proximity to substantial population centers.
The extent of wild land urban interface.
Possible Exemptions For Stages 1 & 2
1). Persons with a written permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or
omission.
2). Fires in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites.
3). Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in
the performance of an official duty.
4). Mechanical stoves and appliances fueled by bottled or liquid gas which allow the operator to
control or extinguish the flame with a valve are permitted provided that such devices are
approved by Underwriters Laboratory Inc.
5). Owners or lessees of land in the restricted area.
6). Residents in the restricted area.