BLM Uncompahgre Field Office implements Stage 1 fire restrictions

MONTROSE, Colo. — Stage 1 fire restrictions begin Friday, June 12, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. for all public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office within the boundaries of Montrose, Delta, Mesa, Gunnison, Ouray and San Miguel counties. The restrictions align with local orders and guidelines to protect the public’s safety during high fire danger.

“These restrictions are being implemented due to increasing fire danger, dry fuels, and persistent hot and windy conditions,” said Dan Ben-Horin, Uncompahgre Field Office Manager. “Fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect public lands, communities, and firefighters."

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: Do not 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 John Wroblewski, U.S. Wildland Fire Service, at [email protected] or 970-240-5335.