Fire Prevention Order COS06-26-03
TEMPORARY EMERGENCY CLOSURE
Gunnison Field Office
Under the authority granted by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (Title 43, United States Code, Section 1701, et seq.), and pursuant to Title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 9212.2(a), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Gunnison Field Office is implementing a temporary emergency closure for public lands within Gunnison County. This closure is enacted to protect the safety of the public and firefighters in connection with the Gold Mountain Fire, as well as to support the management and suppression rehabilitation efforts related to this incident.
The temporary emergency closure applies to BLM-administered public lands within the Gunnison Field Office, specifically in areas north and east of Silver Jack Reservoir. This closure is in addition to existing closures and restrictions currently in place. This closure takes effect immediately, July 2, 2026, and will remain in place until further notice. During this time, all public entry into or use of the designated closure areas is prohibited.
The closure area is within these boundaries:
• Area within the Gold Mountain Fire Evacuation Zone 33
• Horse Creek, Van Boxel Creek, Little Cimmaron River, Big Blue Creek
See accompanying map for visual boundaries.
Under Title 43 CFR Section 9212.1, Prohibited Acts: Unless permitted in writing by the Authorized Officer, it is prohibited to perform any act restricted by this Fire Prevention Order on the above-described public lands.
PROHIBITED ACTIONS:
● Entering an area which is closed by a fire prevention order (43 CFR 9212.1(g))
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to Title 43 CFR Section 9212.2, the following persons are exempt from this order:
● Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
● Any person with a BLM-issued permit specifically authorizing an otherwise prohibited act.
An exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.
PENALTIES:
Pursuant to Title 43 CFR § 9212.4, any person who knowingly and willfully violates the regulations at § 9212.1 of this title shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment of not more than twelve months, or both. Restitution for total suppression or damage costs incurred will be borne by the violator.
This order shall go into effect beginning immediately on July 2, 2026, and will remain in force until rescinded or December 31, 2026, whichever event occurs first.
Prepared in Montrose, Colorado, on this 2nd day of July, 2026.
_____________________________
Jon Kaminsky, Field Manager
Gunnison Field Office
Bureau of Land Management
