BLM implements stage 1 fire restrictions for 6 counties in southwest Colorado

DOLORES, Colorado — The Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office will implement stage 1 fire restrictions effective 12:01 a.m. May 29 because of dry conditions and high fire danger. These restrictions apply to all BLM-administered public lands within the boundaries of Archuleta, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties, and the of Canyon of the Ancients National Monument until rescinded.

“Fire danger indices within the Tres Rios Field Office are currently very high to extreme,” said Tres Rios Field Office Manager Derek Padilla. “These restrictions are being implemented due to persistent drought conditions and ongoing coordination with our county and federal partners.”

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions 

In addition to year‑round wildfire prevention rules, the following are restricted under stage 1:

• Campfires: You may only have a campfire in agency-provided fire grates located in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. You can use stoves that use gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel. Fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable.
• Smoking: Dot no smoke unless you are inside a vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or in an outdoor area cleared of flammable materials (at least a 3-foot-wide barren spot).
• Explosives / Exploding Targets: Do not use exploding targets or other explosive materials.
• Torch or Welding Work: Do not use a welder (gas or arc) or operate a torch with an open flame unless you have a pressurized fire extinguisher (minimum 8 ounces) and work in a cleared area that is at least 10 feet in diameter.
• Spark Arrestors Required: You may only use chainsaws with a working USDA or SAE-approved spark arrestor. You must also have a chemical fire extinguisher (at least 8 ounces) and a round point shovel (at least 36 inches long) nearby. No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order.

Find BLM Colorado fire information on the BLM website. Learn about fire restrictions and current fires, including prescribed fires and fuels treatment projects, throughout the state using the BLM Colorado Fire Information Dashboard. 

For more information about fire restrictions in the BLM Colorado Southwest District, please contact U.S. Wildland Fire Service Fire Mitigation, Education and Prevention Specialist John Wroblewski, [email protected], 970-240-5335.