MESA COUNTY, CO — Effective Friday, September 4, 2026, at 12:01 a.m., fire restrictions across Mesa County will be downgraded from Stage 2 to Stage 1 following recent rainfall and cooler temperatures.
The decision to reduce the restrictions was made collaboratively 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 1 restrictions apply to all private land and BLM-managed public lands within the boundaries of the Grand Junction Field Office, which includes Mesa County.
Separately, officials noted that the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests fully rescinded all Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as of Thursday, September 3.
While recent weather has provided some relief, authorities stress that sustained high temperatures over the summer have led to chronically dry conditions. A single spark from a dragging trailer chain, a discarded cigarette, or a hot vehicle exhaust pipe still has the potential to ignite a fast-moving wildfire.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Prohibit:
- Personal use of fireworks
- Campfires outside of designated fire pits or fire rings
- Agricultural open burning without a burn permit issued by the Sheriff
- Use of explosive targets
- Smoking outside near combustible materials
- Operating any internal combustion engine (such as chainsaws) without a properly installed and maintained spark-arresting device
- Welding or operating acetylene/other open-flame torches, except in cleared areas at least 10 feet in diameter with a pressurized chemical fire extinguisher present
Residents and visitors are urged to ensure campfires are never left unattended and that all smoking materials are disposed of in proper receptacles.
