News Release
BLM Colorado, Southwest District, Tres Rios Field Office
Media Contact: Dolores Public Lands Information Center, 970-882-7296

August 7, 2025

BLM Tres Rios Field Office implements Stage 2 fire restrictions

Dolores, Colo. – Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Friday, August 8, 2025 for all public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tres Rios Field Office within the boundaries of Archuleta, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan, San Miguel, and Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. The restrictions align with local orders and guidelines to protect public safety during high fire danger.

“Weather conditions have not provided any relief. The continuation of persistent drought is the reasoning for the transition from Stage 1 fire restrictions into Stage 2 fire restrictions” said Southwest District Fire Management Officer Rusty Stark.

Stage 2 fire restrictions in addition to the prohibited acts of Stage 1 fire restrictions, the following acts are prohibited:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. Gas stoves with on-off controls are permissible.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, 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.
• Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine.
• Welding, operating a torch with open flame, or any activities which generate flame or flammable material.
• Using explosives or incendiary devices, including, but not limited to, exploding targets, fireworks, tracer ammunition.

Stage 2 fire restrictions on these lands will become effective at 12:01 a.m., MDT, August 8, 2025, and will be in place until rescinded. Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.

These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Colorado. These include prohibitions on:

• Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
• Possession, discharge or use of any fireworks.
• Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
• Burning, igniting or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
• Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c).

Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands. More information about fire prevention is available at:  Fire Prevention | Bureau of Land Management 

Current fire prevention notices for the BLM Southwest District are posted online at: https://www.blm.gov/pr‌ogram s/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.