Colorado's White River National Forest Enters Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

The U.S. Forest Service announced that the entire White River National Forest in Colorado will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday. The 2.3‑million‑acre forest, the nation’s most‑visited, spans nine counties and includes popular resort towns such as Breckenridge, Vail and Aspen. Under the restrictions, campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds with permanent metal or concrete pits; charcoal grills, open‑air smoking (except in enclosed spaces or designated clear areas), and fireworks are prohibited. Gas stoves remain permitted.

Stage 1 restrictions are also in effect for the nearby Rout t National Forest near Steamboat Springs and portions of the Arapahoe‑Roosevelt National Forest near Winter Park. The measures come amid a dry summer, record‑low snowpack, and an uptick in wildfire activity, including the recent Spring Creek Fire that burned about 20 acres before being contained. Colorado officials, including White River acting supervisor Alicia Bell Sheeter, emphasized the need for fire safety as visitor numbers rise.

The Colorado Department of Transportation urged drivers to prevent ignitions caused by trailer chains, overheated brakes, or discarded cigarettes, warning that even small sparks can have “catastrophic impacts.”