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Phone: 970-627-7121

Grand County Wildfire Council

Fire Danger & Restrictions

As of

Current Fire Danger

As of

HIGH

HIGH - Fires start easily and spread at a fast rate. All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High- intensity burning may develop on slopes, or in concentrations of fine fuel. Fire may become serious and difficult to control unless they are hit hard and fast while small.

Current Fire Restrictions

As of

STAGE 1

On October 22, 2024, in cooperation with our federal partners, and upon reviewing current fire danger conditions, Sheriff Brett Schroetlin recommended, and the Grand County Board of County Commissioners approved, the implementation of Stage One Fire Restrictions. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with our local Fire Districts, and Federal Partners, consistently monitors fire conditions and the necessity of fire restrictions on a regular basis. The decisions surrounding fire restrictions are based on a scientific fire restriction matrix that is used across northwest Colorado.

The following acts are prohibited under Stage 1 restrictions:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using an open fire outside of a developed recreation site.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed campground or picnic area or while stopped in an area of at least six feet in diameter that is barren of all combustible materials.
  • Operating a chainsaw without an USDA or SAE approved spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.
  • Welding or operating torches with open flame, except in an area of at least ten feet in diameter that is barren of all combustible materials.
  • Use of incendiary devices (excluding permissible fireworks)

A violation of Grand County Fire Restrictions is punishable by a $1,000.00 fine for each separate offense.

The following are allowed under Stage 1 restrictions:

  • Open fires in developed campgrounds with fees and hosts or picnic areas with permanently constructed fire grates or charcoal grills
  • Fires contained within liquid or gas fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices, and approved wood pellet grills and stoves
  • Open fires at private residences within permanent or portable outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas, or grills.
  • Permissible fireworks according to state statute. The permitted, professional fireworks displays in Grand County are allowed.

Grand County Fire Restrictions Recorded Phone Line: 970-725-3852

If you need to report a fire restriction violation, please contact the Grand County Communications Center at 970-725-3311. For your safety, please do not personally address these issues and allow our deputies to handle it.

Help Us Prevent Wildfires

Become a Good Steward by Checking Official Sources:

Please read the infographic below for specific information what is and is NOT allowed during different stages of fire restrictions:

What are Fire Restrictions?

Fire restrictions can originate from many places. Federal agencies such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service can impose restrictions on the public land they manage. Individual states can impose restrictions on state-managed land. Counties may impose bans on private lands within county borders. Confusion can result from the multiple agency jurisdictions, especially when adjacent lands have different restrictions depending on the administering agency.

Other Resources