Reduce the Risk
05/26/2026 02:36PM ● By Ski Town Media Staff
Photo by Ski Town Media / Melissa VanArsdale.
Summers in the mountains bring warm days, beautiful trails and time spent outdoors – but they also bring increased wildfire risk. Dry grasses and forests combined with windy conditions can allow a small spark to grow quickly into a wildfire. To help protect our public lands and communities, land managers may implement fire restrictions throughout the summer. Understanding what these restrictions mean, and taking a few simple precautions while recreating outside, can help everyone enjoy the outdoors safely while reducing the risk of wildfire.
Why Restrictions Matter
Most wildfires are started by people – often accidentally. Fire restrictions are put in place to reduce risk during hot, dry weather when a single spark can ignite a wildfire. By following these rules, we can help protect forests, wildlife, homes and the communities that depend on them.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Stage 1 restrictions are implemented when fire danger begins increasing. Campfires are usually still allowed, but only in developed campgrounds or designated fire rings. Smoking must be done in cleared areas, and some equipment that produces sparks may be limited. Visitors should use extra caution with any flame or heat source.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
Stage 2 restrictions are stricter and occur during very dry conditions. Campfires, charcoal grills and other open flames are typically prohibited, even in many campgrounds. Visitors should plan to use propane or gas camp stoves for cooking. Activities that can create sparks – such as certain tools or target shooting – may also be restricted.
Fire Ban / Extreme Fire Danger
During periods of extreme fire danger, additional closures or bans may be implemented. All open flames may be prohibited, and some areas may close entirely to protect public safety and allow firefighters to respond quickly if needed. Visitors should follow all posted signs and guidance from land management agencies.
For updated fire restrictions: https://dfpc.colorado.gov/sections/wildfire-information-center/fire-restriction-information
Summers in the mountains bring warm days, beautiful trails and time spent outdoors – but they also bring increased wildfire risk. Dry grasses and forests combined with windy conditions can allow a small spark to grow quickly into a wildfire. To help protect our public lands and communities, land managers may implement fire restrictions throughout the summer. Understanding what these restrictions mean, and taking a few simple precautions while recreating outside, can help everyone enjoy the outdoors safely while reducing the risk of wildfire.
Why Restrictions Matter
Most wildfires are started by people – often accidentally. Fire restrictions are put in place to reduce risk during hot, dry weather when a single spark can ignite a wildfire. By following these rules, we can help protect forests, wildlife, homes and the communities that depend on them.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
Stage 1 restrictions are implemented when fire danger begins increasing. Campfires are usually still allowed, but only in developed campgrounds or designated fire rings. Smoking must be done in cleared areas, and some equipment that produces sparks may be limited. Visitors should use extra caution with any flame or heat source.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
Stage 2 restrictions are stricter and occur during very dry conditions. Campfires, charcoal grills and other open flames are typically prohibited, even in many campgrounds. Visitors should plan to use propane or gas camp stoves for cooking. Activities that can create sparks – such as certain tools or target shooting – may also be restricted.
Fire Ban / Extreme Fire Danger
During periods of extreme fire danger, additional closures or bans may be implemented. All open flames may be prohibited, and some areas may close entirely to protect public safety and allow firefighters to respond quickly if needed. Visitors should follow all posted signs and guidance from land management agencies.
For updated fire restrictions: https://dfpc.colorado.gov/sections/wildfire-information-center/fire-restriction-information