(Pueblo, CO, June 12, 2026)—Stage 1 fire restrictions went into effect today on the Leadville and Salida ranger districts of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. This includes all National Forest System lands, roads and trails, as well as all designated dispersed campsites within the exterior boundaries of the Leadville and Salida ranger districts. This order is in effect from June 12, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has coordinated with all affected counties, state agencies and neighboring federal land managers on the timing of the restrictions. 

Going into restrictions is not taken lightly by the Forest Service. Restrictions are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns and the danger of human-caused wildfires from recreation usage across the forests and grasslands. Chaffee and Lake counties are experiencing severe, extreme and exceptional drought intensity, which, along with the minimal moisture received in the area over the last 30 days, has resulted in an elevated potential for wildfires. Fire restrictions will help protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources. 

Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, forest and grassland visitors may only build or maintain fires and use charcoal in permanent fire pits or fire grates in a developed recreation site, such as a campground where fees are charged. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 

Visitors are prohibited from using an explosive and from welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A. 

A violation of these regulations is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire. 

Forest Service staff will continue to monitor conditions to assess the need for further action, including additional restrictions if weather remains hot and dry and lessening restrictions if a wetter weather pattern develops. 

Additional information for this order can be found on the PSICC alerts webpage. Forest visitors are responsible for ensuring they understand the restrictions and can find any additional fire restrictions implemented by counties adjacent to Forest Service lands in Colorado on the PSICC website. For more information on fire restrictions, please visit the interactive fire restriction map. For more fire resources, visit the PSICC website.About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.