How to find current fire restrictions and bans in Colorado

Fire restrictions change rapidly and often during Colorado’s wildfire season, which typically runs from May through September. From mountain counties to state parks to national forests, fire restrictions are put in place to help reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

If you’re planning to adventure in Colorado, here’s how to find fire restrictions and bans in effect across the state.

Editor’s Note: Remember, it is your responsibility to understand the current rules and restrictions in place for the area that you plan to visit. 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

The BLM now has four districts in Colorado including the Northwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountain District, and Upper Colorado River District. Check the BLM website for the latest restrictions in place across each area.

County Level

Check directly with the county to determine current fire restrictions in place. You can also check with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Blue shaded areas on the map below signify active fire restrictions, while grey indicates areas that have not yet been reported.

While fire restrictions for Colorado state parks typically mirror those enacted by the county, it’s best to always check with an official source prior to your trip. Note that details on the map may lag behind official announcements.

National Forests

When it comes to national forests, click the links below to check for fire bans specific to a given destination.

Arapaho National Forest

Grand Mesa National Forest

Gunnison National Forest

Pike National Forest

Rio Grande National Forest

Roosevelt National Forest

Routt National Forest

San Isabel National Forest

San Juan National Forest

Uncompahgre National Forest

White River National Forest

National Parks

Click the links below to check for fire bans at Colorado’s four national parks.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Mesa Verde National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Tribal areas

Check fire bans on tribal areas by visiting each individual website, including the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

Dispersed camping near Guanella Pass, Colorado. Photo Credit: Sparty1711 (iStock). (Sparty1711)
Dispersed camping near Guanella Pass, Colorado. Photo Credit: Sparty1711 (iStock). (Sparty1711)

PREV

PREVIOUS

Judge approves class action lawsuit for those arrested in Denver racial justice protests

A federal court has given the go-ahead to a class action lawsuit against the city of Denver and individual police officers, stemming from law enforcement’s forceful response to racial justice protests in the summer of 2020. On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson agreed to grant class status to an estimated 300 people […]

NEXT

NEXT UP

MAP [Click to see if embed not showing on device]


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests