Colorado Fire Restrictions Escalate Amid Historic Drought

The U.S. Forest Service, which can invoke Stage 3 fire restrictions that close all public access to federal lands, has never used this highest level in Colorado except for the San Juan National Forest in 2018. Current Stage 2 restrictions cover the White River National Forest—America’s most visited national forest with about 18 million annual visitors—and nearby county lands because of a historic drought and extreme wildfire danger. Forest officials say Stage 3 would be considered only if compliance issues or human‑caused ignitions worsen.

Separately, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe announced Stage 1 fire restrictions for all trust lands on its reservation, effective 0600 GMT on May 22, 2026. The ban prohibits open burning, agricultural burning, unauthorised campfires, fireworks and other activities, with violations subject to the tribal criminal code. Both measures reflect heightened fire‑risk conditions across Colorado’s federal and tribal lands.