DELTA, Colo. (August 14, 2025) — All lands managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will be under stage 2 fire restrictions/prohibitions beginning August 14 at 12:01 a.m. through December 31, unless rescinded.
Under stage 2 fire restrictions, the following are PROHIBITED:
- Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device. 36 CFR § 261.52(a)
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CFR § 261.52(d)
- Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR § 261.52(h)
- Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b)
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle. 36 CFR § 261.56.
See full restrictions/prohibitions order and map here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/alerts/stage-2-fire-restrictions-prohibitions-effect
Fire managers base decisions about fire restrictions/prohibitions on specific fuel moisture measurements in vegetation and other risk factors such as predicted weather and current fire activity. Fire danger is increasing, and these restrictions/prohibitions will be implemented to protect public health and safety due to the current and anticipated elevated risk of wildfire.
Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions and assess the need for further action, including additional restrictions/prohibitions if the weather remains hot and dry or lessening if a wetter weather pattern develops.
Violation of these regulations is punishable as a class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.
For information and updates on current fire restrictions/prohibitions, conditions and recreation opportunities on the GMUG visit the forest website or call the GMUG fire information line at 970-874-6602.
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About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
