FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2025

Fire Restrictions Reduced from Stage 2 to Stage 1

Effective September 11, 2025 at 12:01 AM

The Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Little Snake Bureau of Land Management, Dinosaur National Monument, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, is reducing fire restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1. This applies to all unincorporated private, state, BLM, NPS, and USFWS lands within Moffat County. This change reflects improving conditions, but continued caution is required to help reduce the risk of wildfires.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions – Prohibited Activities

1. Open Burning: All open burning is prohibited, except campfires within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds, and fires, charcoal grills, or wood-burning stoves at private residences in areas cleared of flammable materials.
2. Explosive Materials: The use of fireworks, blasting caps, tracer rounds, exploding targets, or any incendiary devices is prohibited.
3. Welding or Torch Operations: Welding or torch use is prohibited unless in a cleared area (10 feet in all directions) with a 5-lb fire extinguisher and a 36-inch round-point shovel immediately available.
4. Outdoor Smoking: Smoking outdoors is prohibited except inside vehicles or buildings, at developed recreation sites, or while stopped in a cleared area at least three feet in diameter.
5. Internal Combustion Engines: All engines must have a properly installed and functioning spark-arresting device.

These restrictions remain in effect until further notice. Public cooperation is critical in protecting lives, property, and natural resources from wildfire.

Reminder: Fireworks are never permitted on federal lands.

Violation of Stage 1 Fire Restrictions is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

1. Moffat County Sheriff
2. Colorado Emergency Management: Fire Restrictions
3. Bureau of Land Management, Little Snake Field Office