PSICC Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

United States Department of Agriculture 
United States Forest Service 
Pike-San Isabel National Forests & 
Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands 

Stage 1 Fire Prohibitions 
 

PROHIBITIONS 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached maps incorporated into this Order as Exhibits A and B, hereinafter referred to as the “Described Areas”: 

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in  

   1. A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);  
   2. A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or 
   3. A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.  

   36 CFR § 261.52(a). 

2. Using an explosive. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b) 
3. Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR § 261.52(d) 
4. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator. 36 CFR § 261.52(h) 

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, roads, and trails as well as all designated dispersed campsites within the exterior boundaries of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands as depicted on the map attached as Exhibits A and B of this Order.  

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 March 27, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded. 
2. Two maps identifying the Described Area are incorporated into this Order as Exhibits A and B. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibits A and B, go to the alerts webpage. 
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 at the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office in Pueblo, CO, (719) 553-1400. 
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.

/s/Ryan Nehl Signed 3/27/26
Forest and Grassland Supervisor
Pike-San Isabel National Forests &
Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands