Western Colorado Enforces Stage One Fire Restrictions

Wildfires in Colorado seemed to show up a little later than usual in 2024, but by the final week of July, we seem to have several fires causing major concern throughout the state.

On the Front Rage the Quarry Fire, Lake Shore Fire, Stone Canyon Fire, and Alexander Mountain Fire have resources spread thin. On the Western Slope the Duffy Fire, King's Canyon Fire, Currant Creek Fire, and the new Bucktail Fire near Nucla make it clear that conditions are dry and dangerous. Faced with these risk factors, the Mesa County Sheriff has decided to call for Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

Get our free mobile app

Stage Fire 1 Restriction in Mesa County

When fire restrictions are called for, they apply to all of Mesa County, including BLM Land. Exceptions are made for lands managed by the US Forest Service.

Why Causes Colorado Fire Restrictions

In Mesa County, Colorado, the power to call for fire restrictions is given to the Mesa County Sherriff. The Sheriff enacts these limitations based on arid conditions that can occur late in the summer. Specific conditions that may cause the Mesa County Sheriff's office to call for fire restrictions include the low moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, risk factors to humans, and firefighting resources immediately available.

What is Prohibited By State 1 Restrictions?

When State 1 Fire Restrictions are called for, several activities are prohibited until further notice. According to the Mesa County Sherrif's Office, this includes the following:

Personal use of fireworks
Campfires outside of designated fire pits or fire rings
Agricultural open burning without a Sheriff’s issued burn permit
Use of explosive targets Smoking outside near combustible materials
Operating or using any internal combustion engine, such as chainsaws, without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
Welding or operating Acetylene or other torches with an open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter, you MUST have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.

UP NEXT: Colorado's 20 Largest Wildfires of All Time

Colorado's 20 largest wildfires have all taken place since the year 2000.

LOOK: Building A Campfire in Colorado? Six Steps You Must Take

Nearly 85% of wildfires are caused by humans. Colorado is home to 24.5 million acres of forest land which means fire safety in our state must be given the highest priority by campers who wish to build a campfire. Check out the six essential steps for safely putting out a campfire according to the U.S. Forest Service below.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

LOOK: 10 Life Hacks to Beat Colorado’s Late Summer Heat

Grand Junction reached triple digits for the first time this summer back on June 12th, 2024. Since then there has been little relief from the heat and the dog days of summer are still ahead. We're sharing ten tips in the gallery below that will help keep you cool as we endure the August heat in Western Colorado.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Source: Western Colorado Enforces Stage One Fire Restrictions