Due to the recent rains, Stage I fire restrictions will be rescinded for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Overall drought conditions are waning for the area and cooler seasonal temperatures and higher humidities have mitigated fire danger.

This has been a busy fire season on the Southern Ute Reservation with just under 50 fires occurring. The largest was only ½ acre even though fuel conditions were critically dry all summer long and conducive to large fire growth as seen by the neighboring Ferris and Rio Blanco fires.

Southern Ute hosted numerous fire crews and engines from all over the country this fire season and we appreciate the commitment and respect for the land and culture that these resources showed throughout their deployments.

Stage I Restrictions will be rescinded at 06:00 AM, Thursday, September 17,2026.

Photo Credit: Summer Begay/Tribal Council Communications Specialist