News Release
Bureau of Land Management – Colorado Southwest District
Tres Rios Field Office
Media Contact: John Wroblewski, 970-240-5335
Date: May 27, 2026
BLM Tres Rios Field Office Implements Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
DOLORES, Colo. — Stage 1 fire restrictions will begin Friday, May 29, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. on all public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tres Rios Field Office. The restrictions apply within Archuleta, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan, and San Miguel counties, as well as Canyon of the Ancients National Monument.
The restrictions align with local orders and guidelines intended to protect public safety during periods of high fire danger.
“Fire danger indices within the Tres Rios Field Office are currently very high to extreme,” said Derek Padilla, Tres Rios Field Office Manager. “These restrictions are being implemented due to persistent drought conditions and ongoing coordination with our county and federal partners.”
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Under Stage 1 fire restrictions:
Campfires are only permitted in agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites.
Devices fueled by gas, petroleum jelly, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted.
Fire pans and rock campfire rings are prohibited.
Fires of any type, including charcoal fires, are prohibited outside developed recreation areas.
Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or in a barren area free of vegetation.
The use of explosive materials, including exploding targets, is prohibited.
Welding or operating an acetylene torch or similar open-flame device is prohibited except in areas cleared of vegetation.
Operation of any internal combustion engine without a properly installed and functioning spark-arresting device is prohibited.
These restrictions become effective at 12:01 a.m. MDT on May 29, 2026, and will remain in effect until rescinded.
Violation of federal fire restrictions may result in a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Individuals found responsible for starting wildfires may also be held liable for fire suppression and related costs.
Year-Round Wildfire Prevention Restrictions
These restrictions are in addition to year-round wildfire prevention regulations on BLM-administered public lands in Colorado, including prohibitions on:
Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
Possessing, discharging, or using fireworks.
Discharging a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
Burning or igniting tires, wire, magnesium, or other hazardous or explosive materials.
Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands without a properly installed spark arrester, pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1(c).
Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
More information about wildfire prevention is available at:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/get-involved/fire-prevention
-BLM-
The Bureau of Land Management manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of subsurface mineral estate throughout the nation. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
