San Juan National Forest — Stage 1 Fire Prohibitions
Order Number: 02-13-00-26-04
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE
SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System (NFS) lands within Zone 1 of the San Juan National Forest, as described below and shown on the attached maps incorporated into this Order as Appendices A, B, C, and D (the “Described Area”).
Prohibited Acts
1. Fires
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) is prohibited, except when:
a. The fire is contained in a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate installed and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service at a developed recreation site (campgrounds or picnic areas);
b. Using a device fueled solely by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off, provided the device is used in an area cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
c. Using a fully enclosed metal stove with:
a chimney at least five feet long, and
a mesh spark arrestor with openings no larger than ¼ inch,
provided the stove is used in an area cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
Authority: 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a)
2. Explosives
Using explosives is prohibited.
Authority: 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b)
3. Smoking
Smoking is prohibited except:
Authority: 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d)
4. Welding and Open Flame Torches
Welding, or operating an acetylene torch or other open-flame torch, is prohibited unless:
the operation occurs in an area cleared to at least 10 feet in diameter, and
the operator has a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum 8-ounce capacity and a Class 2A rating.
Authority: 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h)
Exemptions
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
Persons holding a Forest Service Permit (FS-7700-48) specifically exempting them from this Order, or persons with written authorization from a Forest Service officer stating that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
Federal, state, or local officers, or members of organized rescue or firefighting services performing official duties.
Described Area
The Described Area includes all National Forest System lands within the San Juan National Forest designated as Zone 1, except:
Congressionally designated wilderness areas:
High-elevation areas within Zone 2 outside designated wilderness areas, as identified in Appendices A, B, C, and D.
Purpose
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.
Implementation
This Order is effective from May 22, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through December 31, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., unless rescinded earlier.
A map identifying the Described Area is incorporated as Appendix A. A digital version of this Order and accompanying maps is available at:
San Juan National Forest Alerts & Notices
Unless otherwise defined in this Order, terms are interpreted according to 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200–299. Undefined terms will be interpreted according to their plain-language meaning.
Violations of these prohibitions may result in:
a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals,
a fine of up to $10,000 for organizations,
imprisonment for up to six months,
or both.
Authorities: 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Additional information may be obtained from:
Dolores Ranger District Office — Dolores, Colorado — (970) 882-7296
Columbine Ranger District Office — Bayfield, Colorado — (970) 884-2512
Pagosa Ranger District Office — Pagosa Springs, Colorado — (970) 264-2268
San Juan National Forest Supervisor’s Office — Durango, Colorado — (970) 247-4874
This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts within the same Described Area.
Signed and Issued
Date: May 18, 2026
Steven Hattenbach
Forest Supervisor
San Juan National Forest
Fire Restrictions Zone 1 Overview
Fire Restrictions Zone 1 Mancos, Dolores Ranger District
