Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Forest Service News Release
Daniel Malta
Public Affairs Officer (Acting)
(912) 759-0893
daniel.malta@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov/gmug
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests lower fire restrictions to stage 1
Current conditions warrant changes in restrictions/prohibitions
DELTA, Colo. (August 29, 2025) — All lands managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will be under stage 1 fire restrictions/prohibitions beginning August 29 at 12:01 p.m. through December 31, unless rescinded.
Under stage 1 fire restrictions, the following are PROHIBITED:
•Igniting, building, attending, maintaining or using a fire outside (includes fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes). 36 CFR § 261.52(a)o
EXCEPT: A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas).
EXCEPT: A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
EXCEPT: A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
•Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b)
•Smoking is prohibited, 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. 36 CFR § 261.52(d)
•Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR § 261.52(h)
See full prohibitions/restrictions order and map here https://westslopefireinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025-21-Stage-1-Map_08-29-25.pdf
Fire managers base decisions about fire restrictions on specific fuel moisture measurements in vegetation and other risk factors such as predicted weather and current fire activity. Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions and assess the need for further action.
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, Facebook page or call the GMUG fire information line at 970-874-6602.
Connect with us on social media (X and Facebook).
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.
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