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BLM Colorado Southwest District Raises Fire Restrictions

Stage 2 effective July 2
Colorado
Media Contact
Tara Thissell
BLM Office:

Montrose, Colorado – Fire restrictions are on the rise throughout the Bureau of Land Management Colorado’s entire Southwest District. Effective July 2, and until further notice, stage 2 fire restrictions are in effect on all BLM-administered public lands within the Tres Rios, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison Field Offices.

"Conditions have continued to deteriorate with dry fuels and higher winds. In addition, fire activity has picked up in the area, making increased restrictions a practical next step," said Tres Rios Field Office Manager Derek Padilla.

In addition to year-round wildfire prevention rules and stage 1 restrictions, the following activities are now prohibited:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, or the use of charcoal barbeques and grills. However, devices using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are exempted.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building.
  • Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
  • Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
  • Using exploding targets.

Full closure orders are available at https://bit.ly/4vEtCpf.

An interactive map showing current fire restrictions across the Rocky Mountain region is available on the Rocky Mountain Area Interagency Fire Restrictions Dashboard.

For additional information, contact your local BLM Southwest District field office.

Related Files

The BLM manages about 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 sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.