Moffat County Sheriff Enacts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Beginning June 25, 2026

Effective June 25, 2026 at 12:01 AM

Due to elevated fire danger and continued dry conditions throughout the region, Moffat County Sheriff Chip McIntyre, is enacting Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. pursuant to Moffat County Ordinance 2026-414.

These restrictions apply to all unincorporated private and state lands within Moffat County. Individuals recreating or working on federal lands should refer to the applicable restrictions and guidance issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) for activities on lands under their respective jurisdictions. 

The purpose of these restrictions is to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect the lives, property, agricultural resources, and public lands of Moffat County.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

• Open burning of fields, fence rows, ditches, trash, and slash piles without a permit issued by the Moffat County Sheriff's Office.
• Fireworks and model rockets, except commercial fireworks displays approved by a special permit issued by the Sheriff's Office.
• Explosives, except fused explosives on designated mining properties and activities approved by a special permit issued by the Sheriff's Office.
• Explosive targets, tracer rounds, and incendiary ammunition.

Allowed Activities

Outdoor Fires – Warming and Cooking Fires

Allowed only in developed campgrounds, picnic areas, and private residences when:

• The fire is contained in a permanent fire ring, brick-or-mortar fire pit, grate, or sheepherder-type stove;
• The fire ring or pit is less than three (3) feet in diameter (or length/width) and at least eighteen (18) inches deep;
• The area is cleared of all flammable materials;
• Water or a fire extinguisher is readily available; and
• The fire is attended at all times until completely extinguished.

Outdoor Cooking

Allowed use of:

• Charcoal grills
• Pellet grills and smokers
• Gas barbecues and gas fire pits
• Turkey fryers
• Liquid-fueled stoves and lanterns

The surrounding area must be cleared of all flammable materials.

Outdoor Smoking

Allowed only:

• In areas cleared of all flammable or combustible materials;
• In designated smoking areas; or
• Inside a vehicle.

Outdoor Welding, Cutting, or Grinding

Allowed only when:

• The area is cleared of flammable materials for at least ten (10) feet on all sides;
• A shovel and fire extinguisher are immediately available.

Chainsaws and Internal Combustion Engines

Allowed only when equipped with a properly installed and maintained spark arrestor.

Recreational Shooting

Allowed with caution; however, explosive targets, tracer rounds, and incendiary ammunition are prohibited.

For purposes of these restrictions, an "Open Fire" includes setting fire to any grass, wood, trash, debris, or other combustible material outside of an enclosed structure; the use of explosives or fireworks; and outdoor welding, cutting, grinding, or operating an acetylene torch with an open flame.

Violations of Stage 1 Fire Restrictions may result in criminal charges, fines, and civil liability for fire suppression costs and damages.

For questions regarding fire restrictions or burn permits, please contact the Moffat County Sheriff's Office at (970) 824-4495.

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