Information: STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

PROHIBITIONS:

  1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. 36 CFR 261.52 (a). This includes charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves, and includes use in developed camping and picnic grounds.

EXCEPT: Devices using pressurized liquid or gas (stoves, grills, or lanterns) that include shut-off valves are permitted when used in an area at least three feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles.

  1. Smoking 36 CFR 261.52 (c).

EXCEPT: Within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building.

  1. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 CFR 261.52(I).
  2. Operating or using any internal combustion engine (e.g. chainsaw, generator, ATV) without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order meeting either:
    1. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or
    2. Appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a). 36 CFR 261.52(j).
  3. Operating a chainsaw without an approved spark-arresting device as described in Prohibition #4, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (8 oz. capacity by weight or larger and kept with the operator), and a round-point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. 36 CFR 261.52(h).
  4. Using an explosive. 35 CFR 261.52(b). This includes but is not limited to fuses or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary rounds.
  5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails, or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle. 36 CFR 261.52.

 

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, #5, #6, and #7. 
    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, #5, #6, and #7.
  3. Residents, owners, or lessees within the restricted area are exempt from #1, provided such fires are within a permanent dwelling and there is a spark arrestor in working order on the chimney.
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.