What Colorado Needs to Know About Stage 1 Fire Rules

Summer has arrived on Colorado’s Western Slope, and regardless of whether you are on a camping trip, backyard cleanup, or spending the weekend on public lands, fire season is here, and it’s time to pay attention.

Federal restrictions are in place over large areas of public land used by Coloradans in Montrose, Delta, and Mesa counties. Knowing what's allowed—and what isn't—could save you from a big fat fine and even help prevent the next wildfire.

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What Colorado Needs to Know About Stage 1 Fire Rules

Hot and dry conditions are in place as the first day of summer arrives in Western Colorado, and several counties are already enforcing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These restrictions are designed to reduce human-caused fires without canceling all outdoor recreation. In most cases, these restrictions prohibit open burns, fireworks, and activities that can ignite dry vegetation. You might still get away with a campfire in fire grates, depending on where you are.

Mesa County Fire Restrictions: What Is Currently Prohibited?

What Grand Junction Needs to Know About Stage 1 Fire Rules

Read More: Active Fires: Where Wildfires Are Burning Across Colorado

As of June 12, Mesa County is enforcing Stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibit burning, setting off fireworks, explosive targets, and activities that could ignite vegetation. Western Colorado’s rainfall in May was well below average, and we’ve seen almost no rainfall in June (so far). It’s good to know that as wildfire dangers increase, the region is already taking precautions. Take a closer look at Mesa County Fire Restrictions here.

Delta County Fire Restrictions: What Is Currently Prohibited?

Delta County's Stage 1 restrictions ban most open fires, fireworks, and other ignition sources that may cause a wildfire. County officials cited drought conditions and elevated fire risk when announcing the restrictions effective June 14.

Montrose County Fire Restrictions: What Is Currently Prohibited?

What Grand Junction Needs to Know About Stage 1 Fire Rules

Read More: What To Know About Colorado's 2026 Wildfire Preparedness Plans

Montrose County is late to the party. While they have not issued Stage 1 orders as of June 15, the county is home to lots of public land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management's Uncompahgre Field Office. Unlike the rest of the county, BLM land is under Stage 1, which prohibits activities such as open burning and fireworks on affected federal lands.