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Fire Bans and Alerts

THE WILLOW FIRE IS CURRENTLY BURNING IN THE AREA

Willow Fire is northwest of the Fish Hatchery in the Twin Mounds Area below Mount Massive.

There are evacuations and closurers in place including: Turquoise Lake, Hagerman Pass Mount Massive Golf Course, Leadville Fish Hatchery, Colorado Trail between Twin Lakes and Tennessee Pass, Trails in or heading into the Mount Massive Wilderness Area. 

City of Leadville and Twin Lakes Village are open.

Stay informed with updates, evacuation maps, road closure lists and more:

 

STAGE 2 FIRE BAN IS IN EFFECT

Updated June 29,2026

City of Leadville & Lake County – Stage 2 as of 6/25/26

US Forest Service (San Isabel National Forest) – Stage 2 as of 6/29/26

Bureau of Land Management – Stage 2 as of 6/29/26 

What does that mean?

Fire bans can get confusing as restrictions can vary from county to county and within Lake County we have 3 land management areas – Lake County/Leadville, US National Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 

As of the Stage 2 ban in all 3 areas on 6/29, this means no wood or charcoal fires are allowed at homes or private property, forest service campgrounds, dispersed camping sites, parks, or picnic areas, and fireworks of any kind (including sparklers) are also prohibited.

We encourage visitors to use gas fire pits or stoves with an on/off switch, which are still permitted under most Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions.

The detailed version of each area’s restrictions can be found by reading the official restriction orders on the Lake County Office of Emergency Management webpage or clicking on the red text above.

Additional Resources

On the map below:

  • Light green is US Forest Service
  • Yellow is BLM
  • White is considered Lake County/Leadville.

**Our local US Forest Service Leadville Ranger Station manages the San Isabel National Forest, the White River National Forest (just north of Ski Cooper) could be in a different fire ban level, be sure to check with Eagle County and the Minturn Ranger Station.**

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.

 View guide on campfire etiquette.

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.

WHAT ARE STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS?

In the forest – 

This video from Durango also speaks to restrictions you would find for homes and private property, on the roads and more

Lake County Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include: 

  • NO open fires of any kind, including campfires, fire pits, and charcoal grills
  • NO agricultural burning or yard debris burning
  • NO use of fireworks (including permissible fireworks)
  • NO smoking outdoors, except inside an enclosed vehicle or building
  • NO welding or activities that produce open sparks or flames without proper mitigation and permits

What IS Allowed

  • Use of liquid-fueled or gas stoves/grills (propane, butane) with a shut-off valve, when used responsibly
  • Activities conducted in a permanent structure designed to contain flames

Enforcement

  • Violations of Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be enforced. Penalties are as follows:
    • First Offense: $250 fine
    • Second Offense: $500 fine
    • Third Offense: $1,000 fine

Thank you for helping to protect our forests and homes!

CARE FOR COLORADO:

Please always check for fire restrictions and follow them!

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A man fishing from a paddleboard on a beautiful day at Twin Lakes