-
Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.
This page lists local, regional and national laws regarding the use of fire on the Carson National Forest. The text of each prohibition is listed with a citation to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs).
Carson National Forest Fire Restrictions
There are currently no local fire restrictions. Stage 2 fire restrictions were lifted at 6 a.m. on July 21, 2026.
National Prohibitions
The following is a select list of fire-related prohibited acts on all national forests year-round, including Carson National Forest:
Prohibition CFR Carelessly or negligently throwing or placing any ignited substance or other substance that may cause a fire. 36 CFR § 261.5(a) Firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition. 36 CFR § 261.5(b) Causing timber, trees, slash, brush or grass to burn except as authorized by permit. 36 CFR § 261.5(c) Leaving a fire without completely extinguishing it 36 CFR § 261.5(d) Causing and failing to maintain control of a fire that is not a prescribed fire that damages the National Forest System. 36 CFR § 261.5(e). Building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire without removing all flammable material from around the campfire adequate to prevent its escape. 36 CFR § 261.5(f). Negligently failing to maintain control of a prescribed fire on Non-National Forest System lands that damages the National Forest System. 36 CFR § 261.5(g) Possessing or using an exploding target or any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR § 261.5(h) Violating any State law concerning burning or fires or any State law that is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire. 36 CFR § 261.5(i) Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-1. 36 CFR § 261.5(j) Building, attending, maintaining, or using a fire outside of a fire ring provided by the Forest Service for such purpose or outside of a stove, grill or fireplace. 36 CFR § 261.16(b) All permanent prohibitions regarding national forests can be found in the Federal Code of Regulations, Title 36, Chapter II, Subpart 261.
Alert Start Date: July 21, 2026
Alert End Date: N/A
Contact Information
Contact Number: 575-758-6200
Contact Email: zachary.behrens@usda.gov