Fire Restrictions

When fuel moistures & weather conditions create increased wildfire potential on the Rio Grande National Forest, fire or public use restrictions will be put in place on federal public land. These fire restrictions help reduce the chance of human-caused wildfire starts.

Nationally, human-caused fires account for 89% of wildfires. On the Rio Grande this number is much smaller, but when these fire starts can be reduced (or eliminated) we protect the forests, our communities & local economies for the future, and of course, reduce the risk of injury or fatality to our firefighters.

We want you to know these restrictions are always carefully considered and are based on data and observations before being implemented. Sitting around a campfire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows is something we all enjoy and we are doing our part to ensure that opportunity will exist for generations to come. 

Please note that there are different levels of fire restrictions and you may be able to use a propane stove or portable campfire to meet your hot dog and marshmallow roasting needs. But restrictions can also affect where you are allowed to smoke, the types of roads you can travel, and where, or even if, you are allowed to have a campfire. Always KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

Do your part to prevent a spark!

• Never park or drive on dry vegetation. On unmaintained dirt roads, often called “two-track” roads, the grass and brush that may grow down the center can dry out and be a fire risk. Vehicles traveling along these roads can pick up this vegetation under their vehicles where it can quickly ignite.
• Secure trailer chains. Loose chains can drag on pavement creating sparks that can ignite vegetation.
• Properly discard smoking materials. Never toss them from a vehicle or on the ground where vegetation can ignite.
• Spark arrestors are required for OHVs, chainsaws and other motorized equipment.