Information: STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

PROHIBITIONS:

  1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire.  36 CFR 261.52(a).  This includes charcoal grills.

EXCEPT: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites and the use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or a fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove with a ¼” spark arrestor type screen is permitted.

  1. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.  36 CFR 261 (b).
  2. Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE-approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher kept with the operator, and one round-point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. 36 CFR 261.52 (h).
  3. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher. 36 CFR 261.52(i).
  4. Using an explosive. 36 CFR 261.52(b).  This includes but is not limited to fuses or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary rounds.

EXEMPTIONS:

  1. Persons with a valid Forest Service permit or contract specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission may be eligible for an exemption from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4, and #5. 
    Any exemption must be applied for in writing, include an appropriate mitigation plan and must be authorized in writing by the appropriate Forest Service official.  The authorization must be in the physical possession of the person or persons undertaking the exempted activities.
  2. Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty, is exempt from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4, and #5.
Alerts

Red Flag Warning In Effect

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT Saturday, June 6, AND Sunday, June 7

A Red Flag Warning is in effect Saturday, June 6, from noon to 9:00 pm and on Sunday, June 7, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm due to critical fire weather conditions, including strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels.

No burning is allowed anytime a red flag warning is in effect.

Please avoid any activity that could spark a wildfire, including:

  • Open burning
  • Burn barrels
  • Campfires
  • Welding or grinding in dry vegetation
  • Parking vehicles on tall grass
  • Throwing cigarette butts from vehicles

Even a small spark can quickly become a dangerous wildfire under these conditions.

Please help protect our county by staying fire aware and using extra caution today.

Fire Restrictions by Jurisdiction

Fire Restrictions by Jurisdiction

  • Unincorporated Montezuma County: Fire ban in effect as of May 28, 6:00 am.
  • Unincorporated Dolores County: Stage 1 Restrictions- effective May 27 at 12:00 am
  • Town of DoloresBurn ban in effect as of May 28, 6:00 am. 
  • Town of Mancos: No open fires or fireworks.
  • City of Cortez: Open fires by permit only. Contact Planning & Building Department at (970) 564-4016.
  • Ute Mountain Ute Tribe: Stage 1 Restrictions- effective May 22.
  • Southern Ute Tribe: No restrictions reported.
  • San Juan National Forest: Stage 1 Restrictions- effective May 22.
  • BLM – Tres Rios Field Office: Stage 1 fire restrictions begin Friday, May 29th at 12:01 am for all public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management
  • Mesa Verde National Park: Stage 1 Restrictions 

Please use caution when using anything that could cause a spark or fire, even when no restrictions are in effect. Fire danger is currently HIGH in Montezuma County.