Fire management guidelines for agricultural and debris burning
RBC | The Rio Blanco Fire County Sheriff’s Office, Meeker Fire/Rescue, Rangely Fire, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, and the Bureau of Land Management encourage residents of Northwest Colorado to follow responsible agricultural and debris burning practices.
The lack of adequate moisture during the winter 2025-2026 has resulted in an accumulation of dead vegetation, significantly increasing fire risk. Residents are advised to exercise heightened caution to prevent accidental ignition and reduce the likelihood of rapid-fire spread.
Planning a Controlled Burn:
We ask that you contact Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office at 970-878-9600, informing Rio Blanco dispatch the day you are burning, phone number and the location of your controlled burn.
Recommendations for Responsible Burning:
• Check your location: Controlled burns are allowed in Rio Blanco County and the Town of Rangely but not within Meeker town limits.
• Weather Awareness: Avoid burning on windy days. Always check the weather forecast for the day you intend to burn.
• Know Fire Restrictions: Stay informed about any active fire restrictions in your area.
• Safety Equipment: Keep a shovel and a sufficient amount of water nearby to control or extinguish the fire as needed.
• Never Leave Fires Unattended: Always monitor your fire until it is fully extinguished to prevent accidents.
Legal Responsibilities:
Be aware that if an agricultural or debris burn results in damage to private, state, or federally managed lands, you may be subject to fines and liable for all associated suppression costs.
Fire Restrictions Resources Online:
• Rio Blanco County Alerts: https://rbc.us/AlertCenter.aspx?CID=Fire-Restrictions-7
• Colorado Fire Restrictions (with map): http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html
• BLM Northwest District Fire Restrictions: https://www.blm.gov/programs/fire/regional-info/colorado/northwest-district
Fire Ready: A Community Conversation scheduled for April 23 in Meeker
RBC | The Rio Blanco County Emergency Operations, in coordination with the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, local fire protection districts, Bureau of Land Management White River Field Office, Blanco Ranger District and partners, invites the public to attend Fire Ready: A Community Conversation on April 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the 4-H Building in Meeker.
Local agencies will provide a one-stop opportunity for residents to receive updates, access resources and prepare for a coming fire season exacerbated by exceptional drought and record temperatures.
“Emergency management is a shared responsibility,” said Rio Blanco County Emergency Manager Rich Garner. “Opportunities like this help ensure our community remains resilient and prepared to respond to challenges that may arise.”
Speakers will review:
• Fire restrictions — what they mean and how they are implemented
• Fuel conditions and seasonal outlook
• How to mitigate fuels on private property
• How to sign up for “Reverse 911” emergency notifications
• Public land conditions and areas of concern
• How fire weather may impact electric utilities
Following the presentation, partners will be available to answer questions and provide guidance on steps residents can take now to ensure the best possible outcomes this fire season.
Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions and take advantage of available resources.
RBC welcomes new Emergency Manager Rich Garner
RBC | Rio Blanco County is pleased to welcome Rich Garner as its new Emergency Manager.
Garner brings decades of experience in public safety, leadership, and operations with a strong track record of problem-solving in both routine and high-risk environments.
A Western Colorado native, Garner began his career with seven years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps before transitioning into law enforcement, where he served with multiple agencies across Colorado and rose to the rank of patrol lieutenant. He later deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan with the U.S. Department of State as part of an international law enforcement advisory mission, mentoring police organizations and delivering training to support stability efforts.
Garner also brings valuable local knowledge from his service on the Rangely Town Council and his work as a safety coordinator and consultant in the oil and gas industry. He looks forward to building partnerships, improving coordination across agencies, and ensuring Rio Blanco County effectively manages emergencies of all types.