Fire Bans and Alerts

NO CURRENT FIRE BANS IN EFFECT

See current Fire Restrictions for Lake County, which includes Leadville and Twin Lakes.

Check for current fire and smoke activity.


Updated April 20, 2024


FIRE SAFETY TIPS

  • Please remember that low fire danger does not mean no fire danger.
  • Please keep campfires small and under control.
  • Ensure that campfires are dead out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Keep a shovel and water nearby to douse escaped embers. Using water is the best option, but applying dirt to the fire will also help.
  • Do not park or idle vehicles in tall dry grass. The heat from the vehicle’s exhaust can spark a wildfire.
  • Do not allow chains to drag from vehicles or towed trailers.
  • Fireworks are never allowed on federally managed lands.


Please continue to practice fire safety and make sure campfires are cool to the touch before leaving them. Check our guide on campfire etiquette.


PLEASE ALWAYS MAKE SURE CAMPFIRES ARE COOL TO THE TOUCH BEFORE LEAVING THEM.


CARE FOR COLORADO:

Please always check for fire restrictions and follow them!



And please take our Adventure by Nature Pledge.


Check the following website for current fire and smoke activity: https://www.airnow.gov/


WHAT ARE STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS?

Stage 1 fire restrictions mean these activities are prohibited:


  • Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas).


  • Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.


  • Operating a chainsaw without an effective and properly installed USDA- or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)- approved spark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) kept with the operator, and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.


  • Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame without being in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and keeping a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) with the operator.


  • Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.


See the full US Forest Service order for more details.


Thank you for helping to protect our forests and homes!

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