Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place on San Juan National Forest effective July 30^th

Durango, CO, July 30, 2026 – The San Juan National Forest, in collaboration with surrounding counties and jurisdictions, is reducing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions down to Stage 1, effective 12:01am Thursday, July 30 on all National Forest System (NFS) lands. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will remain in place for Zone 1 until rescinded. Zone 1 includes all NFS lands except for congressionally designated wilderness areas (Lizard Head, Hermosa, Weminuche, and South San Juan) and high elevation areas within Zone 2 outside of wilderness areas (see Forest Order and Map).

Reducing fire restrictions does not mean that fire danger has been eliminated. Fire restrictions are implemented to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during periods of extreme fire danger and elevated fire weather conditions. The decision to reduce fire restrictions was made based on fuel moisture levels and the amount of precipitation both received and forecasted across the Forest.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the San Juan National Forest PROHIBIT:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in:
   1. A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
   2. A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
   3. A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device. 36 CFR § 261.52(a).
2. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b)
3. Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site. 36 CFR § 261.52(d)
4. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR § 261.52(h)

Temporary restrictions will remain in place until further notice and may be increased or reduced at any time due to changes in weather and fire danger. To learn more about fire restrictions, fuels management, and other wildfire related issues, visit our fire information webpage. Neighboring federal, state, and local fire managers are also in fire restrictions. We work closely with our partners in fire prevention to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires across the landscape. Visit the Colorado Department of Public Safety website for fire restriction information state-wide.

Fire restrictions do not prevent wildfires—you do! So far this year, 45 abandoned campfires have been found on the San Juan National Forest. Fire prevention and law enforcement will be patrolling, and anyone who violates Stage 1 restrictions will be ticketed.

To report a fire, call 9-1-1. For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874, visit the
forest website,
or follow us on
Facebook.