Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

STAGE 2 FIRE PROHIBITIONS

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) & (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A, hereinafter referred to as the “Described Area”:

1. 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 three feet of the device. 36 CFR § 261.52(a)
2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CFR § 261.52(d)
3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CFR § 261.52(h)
4. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b)
5. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle. 36 CFR § 261.56.

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2)].
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA

All National Forest System lands within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, as depicted on the attached map at Exhibit A. The prohibition does not apply to non-National Forest System lands within the Described Area.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from July 1, 2026 at 0001 through October 1, 2026 at 2400, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is incorporated into this Order as Appendix

A. For a digital version of this Order and Appendix A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/alerts.

3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18

U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

5. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Supervisor’s Office in Delta, Colorado at 970-874-6600
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.

Signed in Delta, CO, this 30th day of June 2026.

CHAD STEWART

Forest Supervisor

Digitally signed by CHAD STEWART

Date: 2026.06.30 09:34:29 -06'00'

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests