Federal and county officials rolled back to stage 1 fire restrictions across millions of acres of western Colorado at 12:01 a.m. today, following late-summer rains that briefly eased fire danger, according to a joint federal release.
The coordinated move covers the White River National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management’s Upper Colorado River District, Pitkin County, and Eagle County.
Stage 1 allows small campfires only in permanent metal rings at developed campgrounds and picnic areas while continuing bans on open flames, fireworks, and most spark-producing work. Officials said the downgrade offers relief from weeks of stricter stage 2 rules but keeps significant safeguards in place during an above-average fire season.
On federal lands, the new order limits burning to established metal grates; charcoal and rock rings remain off-limits elsewhere, smoking is confined to enclosed vehicles, buildings or barren ground, and internal-combustion engines must carry functional spark arresters.
Fully enclosed hunting stoves are permitted in the forest if the stovepipe stands at least five feet and is capped with a quarter-inch spark screen.
The White River National Forest spans 2.3 million acres, and the adjacent BLM district adds roughly 5.8 million, stretching along the Interstate 70 and Colorado River corridors.
“Although the recent moisture across much of western Colorado has helped lower fire danger, we expect a return to hot dry weather, and conditions still warrant stage 1 fire restrictions,” Greg Larson, BLM Upper Colorado River District manager, said in the Sept. 3 release.
“We urge all residents and visitors to be vigilant and responsible with any outdoor activities that could spark a fire. Remember, fireworks are not allowed on federal land,” he added.
White River National Forest Supervisor Brian Glaspell echoed that caution. “Although we are lowering fire restrictions, we will still be under stage 1 fire restrictions,” he said. “In developed campgrounds where campfires are again permitted, please ensure your fire is completely out and cold before leaving.”
Pitkin County followed suit with a stage 1 order that also takes effect Friday, extending to all public and private lands and carrying fines of $500 to $1,000 under state statute CRS 30-15-410 and county resolution 96, according to the county notice. “While conditions have improved enough to move out of Stage 2 restrictions, it’s important to remember that wildfires can start any time of year in our region,” county emergency manager Chris Breitbach said. “We encourage everyone to make safe choices and help protect our community.”
Meanwhile, Eagle County downgraded from stage 2 at the same hour, though the Town of Vail’s year-round fire code already mirrors stage 1, a town statement said. The decision reflected better vegetation moisture, favorable forecasts and available firefighting resources.
For campground, RV-park and glamping operators, the shift could demand immediate on-site adjustments.
Property managers may consider auditing every fire feature, disabling anything outside a permanent metal ring; swap prohibited wood or charcoal setups with propane fire tables and gas grills; post temporary signs with QR codes linking to real-time restriction status; train staff to sweep nightly for unauthorized fires and keep extinguishers within 30 feet of approved pits; maintain a dated log of guest notifications and site inspections; and schedule a preseason walk-through with local volunteer firefighters.
Maintaining guest experience takes equal planning. Operators might promote stargazing walks, outdoor movies or storytelling circles around propane fire bowls; rent tabletop propane pits with Stage 1-compliant s’mores kits; bundle grill rentals or picnic baskets to offset lost firewood sales; push updates through reservation systems so guests pack appropriately; market the lower-smoke environment as an eco-friendly perk; and brighten common areas with string lights and lantern paths to deliver ambiance without flame.
Recent monsoon thunderstorms boosted live-fuel moisture, but forecasts call for warmer, drier conditions by mid-September, keeping large-fire potential elevated through October.
Current orders and maps are posted on the forest alert page at White River’s website and the district fire page for the BLM-UCRD at BLM Colorado.
Stage 1, officials say, is a window for cautious enjoyment rather than complacency. For park owners and managers, that means constant guest education, diligent patrols, and a readiness to tighten restrictions again if the weather turns.