Due to recent rains and higher humidities, Stage II fire restrictions have been rescinded for all trustlands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

Stage I fire restrictions remain in place effective July 22, 2026, at 6:00 AM due to the spotty nature of the recent rain and where some areas remain dry. The overall drought conditions still create the potential for large fire development, and any ignition could grow rapidly.

STAGE I General Public Prohibited Acts:

• OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.
• AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.
• CAMPFIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited. Charcoal broilers and wood and coal stoves used outside of dwellings are classified as campfires and prohibited. Fires for ceremonial sweats are allowed upon notification of the local fire authority and/or BIA Fire office and approval from them.
• FIREWORKS. Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.
• SMOKING. Smoking is restricted to designated areas, within structures or within vehicles equipped with ashtrays.
• OPERATING EQUIPMENT. Operating or using any internal combustion engine (chainsaws, generators, etc) without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.

To report fires contact:

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

For more info or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401