BLM White River Field Office Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

MEEKER, Colorado — The Bureau of Land Management White River Field Office will implement stage 1 fire restrictions because of dry conditions and high fire danger beginning 12:01 a.m. June 19. These restrictions apply to all BLM-administered public lands within the boundaries of the field office and will remain in effect until rescinded.

“Stage 1 fire restrictions help raise awareness of fire danger and reduce the chance of new fire starts,” said WRFO Field Office Manager Bill Mills. “Fire and land managers use clear, science‑based criteria – such as vegetation conditions, weather patterns, and local resource availability – to decide when to start restrictions. We work closely with the county and our local communities to evaluate these conditions and make coordinated decisions.” 

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. Do not operate any internal combustion engine without a working spark arresting device properly installed.

“Remember, wildfires can spark easily and move quickly, especially during red flag days,” said Mills. “Check the weather and current fire restrictions before you head out to recreate, follow the rules, and help protect the public lands we all enjoy.”

Learn about current federal and state fire restrictions using new Rocky Mountain Area Interagency Fire Restriction Dashboard. For more information about fire restrictions in WRFO, please contact the field office at 970-878-3800.