Editor’s note: For transparency, Mayor Shari Pierce is the mother of Randi Pierce.
Additional fire restrictions have been enacted in the area, with the Town of Pagosa Springs implementing Stage 1 restrictions and the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) moving to Stage 2 restrictions.
Neighboring areas have also recently made changes to their fire restrictions, and those traveling to areas are encouraged to check for up-to-date restrictions in that area.
Town of Pagosa Springs
On Aug. 11, the Town of Pagosa Springs issued an emergency order imposing Stage I fire restrictions within the town limits.
According to the order, “... the Pagosa Springs Home Rule Charter, Section 12.6, provides that in case of riot, insurrection or extraordinary emergency, the Mayor and the Manager, acting jointly can execute any action to protect life and property including establishing regulations governing conduct and activities related to the cause or effect of the emergency.”
It further notes that the order is based on consultation with fire managers and managers of federal lands, the Archuleta County sheriff having imposed Stage I fire restrictions within unincorporated areas of Archuleta County and the United States Forest Service has implemented Stage II fire restrictions within the San Juan National Forest.
It explains that on “August 10, 2025, the Oak Fire began in the Aspen Springs area of Archuleta County west of Pagosa Springs burning several outbuildings and 75 acres of wildland, the Oak Fire remains uncontrolled, and the Oak Fire resulted in disaster emergency declarations from Archuleta County and the State of Colorado.”
It adds, “[F]irefighting resources have been depleted by the Oak Fire, areas within and immediately adjacent to Pagosa Springs are at equivalent wildfire risk as the area involved in the Oak Fire, and if an uncontrolled fire were to start in such areas the property and lives of Town residents and visitors would be in immediate danger.”
Based on consultation with the Pagosa Fire Protection District fire chief, the Archuleta County sheriff and the United States Forest Service, and the based on the fire danger within and near the Town of Pagosa Springs, the mayor and town manager of the Town of Pagosa Springs “find that it is reasonable and necessary to impose Stage I fire restrictions within the Town of Pagosa Springs, consistent with those in effect within unincorporated areas of Archuleta County.”
“Given the extreme fire danger we are facing, these restrictions are a necessary step to protect lives, property, and our natural resources,” said Mayor Shari Pierce via a press release. “We urge all residents and visitors to comply fully so that we can minimize further fire threats to our community.”
Prohibited activities under Stage 1 fire restrictions include:
• Open fires and open burning, including campfires.
• The sale or use of fireworks for personal use.
Permitted activities under Stage 1 fire restrictions include:
• Commercial or community fireworks displays that are properly permitted.
• Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, indoor fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, and outdoor charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves, provided they are at private residences and in an area cleared of all flammable materials, including dry vegetation.
• Persons with a permit or written authorization from the Pagosa Fire Protection District specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited acts or omissions.
The restrictions became effective immediately and will remain in place until lifted by the mayor, town manager, or Pagosa Springs Town Council.
Violations may result in fines or legal action.
The town council will review the order during its Aug. 19 meeting to determine if conditions warrant continuation or modification.
San Juan National Forest
The Forest Service announced on Thursday, Aug. 7, that, based on recent wildfire activity and persistent severe fire weather conditions, San Juan National Forest fire management staff would be implementing Stage 2 fire restrictions, including for the wilderness, at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 8.
The press release explains, “Forest managers use several criteria to determine when to implement restrictions, including current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Fire restrictions are designed to protect public safety and our area natural resources. Southwest Colorado is in extended drought with continued hot, dry weather creating a critical fire environment.”
Stage 2 restrictions on the San Juan National Forest prohibit:
• Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue or grill, except if using a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
• Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building.
• Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• Using an explosive.
Visitors may use stoves, grills and lanterns fueled by propane or other liquid petroleum gas fuels that meet manufacturer’s safety specifications.
If you plan to visit the forest, be sure to practice vehicle safety guidelines by securing chains, checking tire pressure and properly maintaining your brakes.
The temporary restrictions will remain in place until further notice and may be increased or reduced at any time due to changes in weather and fire danger.
To learn more about fire restrictions, fuels management, and other wildfire related issues, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/fire.
The agency reminds via its press release that fire restrictions do not prevent wildfires.
“It is every forest visitor’s and camper’s responsibility to follow best practices, properly maintain and extinguish campfires to prevent wildfires. Violations are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Fire prevention and law enforcement will be patrolling, and anyone who violates Stage 2 restrictions will be ticketed,” the press release states.
To report a fire, call 911.
For information on the San Juan National Forest, call (970) 247-4874 or visit the forest website.
BLM
The BLM’s Tres Rios Field Office also implemented Stage 2 restrictions on Aug. 7, effective the following day, for all public lands administered by the office within the boundaries of Archuleta, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Montezuma, San Juan and San Miguel counties, and the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument.
The press release notes the “restrictions align with local orders and guidelines to protect public safety during high fire danger.”
“Weather conditions have not provided any relief. The continuation of persistent drought is the reasoning for the transition from Stage 1 fire restrictions into Stage 2 fire restrictions” said Southwest District Fire Management Officer Rusty Stark.
In addition to the prohibited acts of Stage 1 fire restrictions, the following acts are prohibited under Stage 2 restrictions:
• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire or stove fire. Gas stoves with on/off controls are permissible.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating a chain saw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine.
• Welding, operating a torch with open flame, or any activities which generate flame or flammable material.
• Using explosives or incendiary devices including, but not limited to, exploding targets, fireworks and tracer ammunition.
The Stage 2 fire restrictions will be in place until rescinded.
The press release notes, “Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.”
The press release adds these fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Colorado.
These include prohibitions on:
• Leaving a fire unattended or unextinguished.
• Possession, discharge or use of any fireworks.
• Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
• Burning, igniting or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium or any other hazardous or explosive material.
• Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c).
Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
Current fire prevention notices for the BLM Southwest District are posted online at: https://www.blm.gov/program s/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/southwest-district
randi@pagosasun.com
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