The National Forest Service (NFS) enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland on March 30, 2026.
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Stage 1 Fire Ban sign at the Boulder/Gilpin county line. Stage 1 Fire Bans have been enacted in throughout the Front Range counties. A Stage 2 Fire Ban would essentially shutdown the forests.
PEAK TO PEAK — The National Forest Service (NFS) enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland on March 30, 2026.
Clear Creek, Gilpin, and unincorporated Boulder County also have outdoor fire restrictions in place to prevent wildfires caused by human ignition.
Fire restrictions in Jefferson County are automatic if there is a Red Flag Warning.
Smoking outdoors, fireworks of any kind, recreational sport shooting, and all other outdoor spark- or flame-producing activities such as welding are prohibited.
Open fires in National Forests are only permitted within installed and maintained fire rings and picnic grills within highly developed recreation areas and campgrounds that are maintained by a host.
In other areas of the National Forests, visitors may use stoves fueled by liquid or gas and featuring an on/off switch.
Open flames in permitted sites require proper fire maintenance, which means never leaving a campfire unattended and fully extinguishing a campfire with water until all coals are out cold. The Cold Springs wildfire in 2016 was the result of the failure to completely extinguish a campfire.
Violating Stage 1 fire restrictions in National Forests can result in a maximum fine of $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
In Clear Creek County, violators may be charged with 4th degree Arson and/or Reckless Endangerment or unlawful conduct on public or private property.
County sheriffs’ departments will have status updates on their fire restrictions. The NFS has the status of their fire restrictions at the top of the home page on their website (fs.usda.gov/r02/arp).
