NEWS RELEASE
August 11, 2025
Contact: Jennifer Peterson, Public Information Officer
Email: jpeterson@ourayco.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sheriff Enacts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Ouray County
Ouray County, Colo. (August 11, 2025) Due to the continued extreme fire danger, and future weather forecasts, Ouray County will implement stage 2 fire restrictions for all unincorporated areas of the county effect at 12:01am on Tuesday, August 12.
Under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions:
**NO OPEN FIRES**
-No campfires, charcoal grills, wood-burning stoves, chimineas, tiki torches, or any open flames, even at private homes or campgrounds.
-Gas grills or fire pits are allowed if they can be turned on and off and only in areas cleared of flammable materials.
*No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
*No chainsaw, or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, unless it has a working spark arresting device.
*No welding or torches unless in a cleared area at least 10 feet wide and a pressurized fire extinguisher must be on hand.
*No off-road driving or parking: vehicles must stay on established roads, trails or parking areas unless there is no vegetation within 10 feet of the parking area.
*No explosives or fireworks Violations of these restrictions can be reported to the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office at 970-325-7272 or by calling WestCo Dispatch at 970-249-9110.
For more fire-related information on Colorado’s Western Slope please visit: http://www.westslopefireinfo.com/ Community members and visitors are encouraged to sign-up for Emergency Notifications through Ouray County Alerts: https://ouraycountyco.gov/434/Emergency-Notifications
