Ah, nothing says camping like crowding around a warm campfire making s’mores and telling stories of how cool you used to be in college. Campfires are a beloved outdoor tradition, even if they leave your hair and clothing smelling like burnt twigs for the next three days. Being able to have campfires is a privilege and sometimes, as campers, we lose that privilege either due to wildfires caused by nature, or fires caused by our own poor decisions.

Nearly 4 out of every 5 fires are started by humans, whether on purpose or due to negligence. Fire restrictions and fire bans are common during camping season in Colorado. With our state’s warm and dry climate, the weather can make wildfires thrive and spread quickly. Before you head out on any camping adventure, it’s important to find out whether there’s a fire ban in the area you plan to set up camp. In this article we’ll discuss the ins and outs of Colorado’s fire restrictions.

What is a fire ban?

As the name suggests, a fire ban means that the area in question prohibits the certain fire-related activities that could cause an unintentional wildfire. Colorado fire bans are decided at the county level, so it’s possible that part of a ranger district could be under fire ban and other parts remain unaffected. The most current information can and should be obtained from your local county or the forest service. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has an interactive fire ban map on their website that is regularly updated with the most current information.

Fire Restrictions: The Stages

When talking about fire bans, there are two fire main restriction stages in Colorado to note: Stage I and Stage II as determined by the National Forest Service.

Stage I fire restrictions are passed to decrease risks associated with certain activities that are prone to cause unwanted fires during high-risk times. These activities are not permitted during a Stage I fire ban:

• Building or maintaining any fire or campfire except within an established campground where it is permitted. “Established campground” usually refers to paid sites that are run by the Forest Service

• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed recreation area that allows smoking in specified areas.

Stage II fire bans refer to an increase in restrictions around fire-related activities. When there are Stage II restrictions in a county, the following are prohibited:

• Building or maintaining any fire or campfire.

• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

• Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.

• Using grills – including charcoal or BBQ.

• Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun.

• Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails, or established parking areas.

Violating Fire Bans

Fire bans are not suggestions and violating any fire restriction has consequences. The punishments vary by county but range from large fines to even jail time depending on the violation and the level of fire restriction. You could wind up paying thousands of dollars in fines as well as spending 180 days in jail depending on the county and the infraction. Simply said, a contraband fire is not worth the consequence. 

How to Know if There’s a Fire Ban

In addition to calling your local county, you can find real-time fire ban information in the Campin app! With the push of a button, the Campin fire ban map shows exactly where the fire restrictions have been enacted all over the state of Colorado. The map is updated every morning using the Colorado Emergency Management site in order to ensure accurate information. 

Fire Safety

Let’s say there’s no fire ban in your area. This means you’re free to have a fire, right? Sure, but it also means you have a responsibility to maintain a safe and controlled campfire at all times. Here are some tips for campfire safety:

• Keep campfires small and manageable, and never let a fire burn unattended

• Do not build a fire in windy or extra dry conditions

• Use an existing fire ring or fire pit. If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, find a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees, or other flammable items.

• Supervise children and pets when they are near fire

• Only use dead brush found on the ground for your fire

Extinguishing a Fire

•  Pour lots of water on the fire. Drown out all embers, not just the glowing ones.

•  If you do not have water, dump dirt or sand onto the embers with a shovel to bury the fire.

• Continue adding water, dirt, or sand and stirring with a shovel until all material is cool—there should be no more steam rising or hissing noises.

Fire restrictions protect people, animals, homes, and the environment, and not having a campfire shouldn’t ruin your experience. While fun is important, safety should always come first when it comes to campfires.