Uncompahgre Field Office lowers fire restrictions to Stage 1
Montrose, Colo. – Stage 2 fire restrictions have been lowered to Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective Friday, September 5, for all public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Uncompahgre Field Office. This includes all BLM managed public lands within the boundaries of Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Delta counties, a portion of Gunnison County, and the Gunnison Gorge and Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Areas. The restrictions align with local orders and guidelines to protect the public’s safety during high fire danger.
“With the recent monsoonal weather, conditions have improved enough to step back down to Stage 1 fire restrictions. High fire danger remains, and the continuation of drought is the reasoning for remaining in Stage 1 fire restrictions” said Southwest District Fire Management Officer Rusty Stark.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions the following acts are prohibited:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites. Devices using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- 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 acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
- Using exploding targets.
Stage 1 fire restrictions on these lands are in effect as of 12:01 a.m., MDT, September 5th, 2025, and will be in place until rescinded. Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.
These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Colorado. These include prohibitions on:
- Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
- Possession, discharge or use of any fireworks.
- Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
- Burning, igniting or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c).
Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands. More information about fire prevention is available at. Fire Prevention | Bureau of Land ManagementCurrent fire prevention notices for the BLM Southwest District are posted online at: https://www.blm.gov/program s/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district
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.