05/06/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 5, 2026
ARCHULETA COUNTY ENTERS STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS EFFECTIVE JUNE 6, 2026
PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO — Due to persistent drought conditions, drying vegetation, and rapidly increasing fire danger indices across southwest Colorado, Sheriff Mike Le Roux has announced that Archuleta County will officially enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.
The restrictions will take effect at 12:01 AM on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and will remain in place for all unincorporated public and private lands within Archuleta County until further notice. This decision aligns local safety measures with neighboring jurisdictions.
"Public safety is our top priority," said Sheriff Le Roux. "With summer heat settling in and minimal moisture in the forecast, the risk of a catastrophic wildfire is simply too high. We need every resident and visitor to take these restrictions seriously and do their part to protect our community."
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES UNDER STAGE 1:
• Open Burning & Campfires: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is strictly prohibited. This includes charcoal briquette grills and coal- or wood-burning stoves on all public and private lands, outside of developed areas.
• Smoking: Smoking outdoors is prohibited unless you are within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or stopped in an outdoor area at least three feet in diameter that is completely barren and cleared of all flammable materials.
• Fireworks and Explosives: The use of all fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracer ammunition, or incendiary rounds is strictly prohibited.
• Open Flame Torch Work: Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited, except within a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and with a pressurized fire extinguisher immediately available.
ALLOWED ACTIVITIES:
• Developed Recreation Sites: Campfires are allowed only within permanently constructed, agency-provided metal fire grates or rings located inside developed campgrounds and picnic areas. (Note: Rock campfire rings and personal fire pans are not permitted).
• Gas/Liquid Stoves: The use of portable stoves, lanterns, or patio heating devices fueled by liquid petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel, or gas is permitted, provided they can be turned off via a valve.
• Residential Charcoal Grills: Charcoal grill fires remain allowed within developed residential properties, though extreme caution is urged.
Equipment Requirements for Chainsaws:
Operating a chainsaw or any internal combustion engine is permitted only if it is equipped with a properly maintained, USDA- or SAE-approved spark arrestor. Operators must also have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher and a round-point shovel (minimum length of 35 inches) readily available.
Penalties & Enforcement:
Violations of these county-enacted fire restrictions are enforceable by law enforcement.
The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office urges everyone to download the WatchDuty App and sign up for Nixle Emergency Alerts to stay informed on local fire updates and active incidents.
For more information, please visit the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office website at https://sheriff.archuletacounty.gov/divisions/emergency-operations/fire-updates-and-information/, and the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office page.
To report a suspected fire restriction violation or an active smoke plume, please call regional dispatch immediately at 911 or the non-emergency line at (970) 264-8430.
Pagosa Fire Protection District
Los Pinos Fire District
USDA Forest Service - San Juan National Forest
