Colorado Wildfire Season Prompts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Across Western Slope

Early June 2024 saw a surge of wildfires on Colorado's western slope. The Beehive Fire in Montrose County burned about 320 acres, the Paradox Trail Fire 52 acres, the Spring Creek Fire in Eagle County prompted evacuations, and the Paradise Creek Fire briefly shut a 28‑mile stretch of I‑70 before being fully contained. Other fires, including the Bear Fire in Las Animas County, burned roughly 150 acres. While none of the current blazes threaten structures, officials warn conditions could worsen due to record‑low snowpack and drought.

In response, Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties have enacted Stage 1 fire restrictions. The rules ban open burning, fireworks, explosive targets and other activities that could ignite dry vegetation. Some federal lands managed by the BLM already follow Stage 1 protocols, prohibiting similar activities. The restrictions aim to curb human‑caused ignitions as the region experiences below‑average May rainfall and minimal June precipitation, heightening wildfire risk.