MESA COUNTY, CO — Citing consistently high temperatures and dry conditions, local and federal agencies are implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions across Mesa County, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 26.
The heightened restrictions are being enacted jointly by the Mesa County Sheriff, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office, the Colorado National Monument, and local fire chiefs. The Stage 2 restrictions apply to all private land and BLM-managed public lands within Mesa County. Separately, the GMUG National Forest moved to Stage 1 fire restrictions on June 25.
Officials state the decision to increase restrictions is based on specific criteria, including low vegetation moisture content, weather outlooks, and human risk factors.
Prohibited Activities Under Stage 2 Restrictions
Under Stage 2, the use of anything producing an open flame that is not liquid- or gas-fueled is strictly prohibited. Banned activities include:
- Building, maintaining, or using fires, campfires, charcoal grills, coal or wood-burning stoves, tiki torches, fire pits, and chimineas. This applies everywhere, including developed camping areas and private residences.
- Parking or driving a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails, or parking areas, unless the parking area has no vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle.
- The personal use of any fireworks.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Any unpermitted use of fire to burn debris or vegetation.
- Shooting tracer rounds or explosive-type targets, and the use of explosives (including fuses, blasting caps, and rockets).
- Welding or operating acetylene or other open-flame torches, except in cleared areas at least 10 feet in diameter while in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
Allowed Activities Under Stage 2 Restrictions
- Liquid-fueled or gas-fueled devices (such as gas grills, stoves, lanterns, or gas fire pits) with shut-off valves may be used, provided they are at least three feet away from flammable materials like dry vegetation.
- Agricultural burns are allowed, but only with a permit issued by the Sheriff’s Office.
With fire danger remaining high, authorities warn that a single spark can cause a rapidly spreading wildfire. Residents and visitors are urged to be mindful of everyday fire hazards, such as dragging trailer chains, parking vehicles with hot exhaust pipes over tall grass, or improperly disposing of cigarettes.
Agencies managing fire restrictions: