RBC | Rio Blanco County’s unincorporated and private lands, the entire White River National Forest, and all areas within the BLM White River Field Office boundaries are entering into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions starting Friday, June 19, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
Rio Blanco County’s Stage 1 Fire Restrictions include:
PROHIBITIONS:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites. Devices using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted.
- Using burn barrels or burn pits to burn trash/rubbish.
- Smoking, 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.
- Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE-approved spark arrestor properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
- Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
- Using exploding targets or illegal fireworks.
EXEMPTIONS:
- Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
- Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by a written posted notice.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are also going into effect for the White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management-administered lands. Please call ahead or verify restrictions for the area you will be in, as different land jurisdictions may impose different stages and restrictions.
FIREWORKS:
To clarify what Colorado law says regarding fireworks. Fire restrictions do not automatically mean every item commonly referred to as a firework is illegal; however, Colorado law does limit what fireworks may be possessed or discharged.
Pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-33.5-2001, “permissible fireworks” are limited to certain small, ground-based fireworks designed to produce audible or visual effects by combustion. These may include items such as fountains, sparklers, wheels, and similar devices that meet the statutory definition.
Permissible fireworks do not include aerial devices or audible ground devices, including but not limited to firecrackers.
