(Pueblo, CO, June 29, 2026)— Stage 2 fire restrictions will go into effect June 30, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. on Pikes Peak, South Park, South Platte, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts. This includes all National Forest System lands, roads and trails, as well as all designated dispersed campsites within the exterior boundaries of the districts. This order will be in effect through Aug. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.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. Fire restrictions will help protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources.

Under Stage 2 fire restrictions, forest and grassland visitors are prohibited from igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue or grill unless the device is solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building.

Visitors are also prohibited from using explosives, welding, operating acetylene or other torch with open flame; and possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area completely free of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle.

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.