Stage II Fire Prohibition Order

Order Number:  02-13-00-26-10 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE 
SAN JUAN NATIONAL FOREST 
STAGE II 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) lands of the San Juan National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Appendix A, hereinafter referred to as the “Described Area”:

1. 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)

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

The described area encompasses all San Juan National Forest System Lands located within Archuleta, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Rio Grande, and San Juan Counties, State of Colorado, and on all roads and trails located within the Restricted Area as shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Appendix A hereinafter referred to as 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 This Order shall be in effect from July 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through December 31, 2026, at 12:01, unless rescinded.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/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices.
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 Dolores Ranger District Office in Dolores, Colorado, (970) 882-7296, the Columbine Ranger District Office in Bayfield, Colorado, (970) 884-2512, the Pagosa Ranger District Office in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, (970) 264-2268, and at the San Juan National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Durango, Colorado, (970) 247-4874.
6. This Order supersedes previous Order Number 02-13-00-26-05 prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on: 06/30/2026
/s/ Steve Hattenbach
San Juan National Forest Supervisor