All unincorporated land within San Miguel County is under Stage I restrictions, effective July 3, 2025. Public Lands managed by the Tres Rios Field Office, the Uncompahgre Field Office, and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest are also under Stage 1 restrictions as of July 3, 2025. 

Stage 1 Restrictions

Stage 1 restrictions prohibit the following:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except within a permanently constructed fire grate in a developed campground, developed recreation site, or improved site.
   1. Charcoal grills are permitted on private property, and gas and propane grills are permitted as long as there is an “on-off” switch for flames.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Cigarette butts must be fully extinguished and disposed of in appropriate receptacles only. 
3. Personal use of fireworks.
4. Use of explosive materials, including explosive targets. 
5. Welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except in an area that has been cleared of vegetation.
6. Operating any internal combustion engine (such as a chainsaw) without a spark-arresting device and possession of a fire extinguisher.