Current Fire Restrictions:

STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS - Unincorportated Chaffee and Fremont County (including municipalities of Buena Vista and Poncha Springs)

The Chaffee and Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Warden have determined that dry, windy conditions and below-normal moisture levels have created elevated wildfire risk across the unincorporated areas of Chaffee and Fremont County. To protect public health and safety, Stage I Fire Restrictions will be implemented beginning February 24, 2026  for Fremont County and March 24, 2026 for Chaffee Countyv and will remain in effect until conditions improve and a rescission is formally issued.

Under Stage I Fire Restrictions, the following are prohibited  within unincorporated Chaffee and Fremont County:
• Igniting, building, maintaining, or using any open flame fire — including campfires — except within designated fire grates in developed campgrounds or picnic areas.
• Outdoor smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of flammable materials.
• Use of fireworks or pyrotechnic devices of any kind.
• Welding or operating an acetylene or similar torch with an open flame, unless in a cleared area with firefighting equipment present.
• Operating any internal combustion engine without a properly installed and functioning spark arrestor.

Allowed activities under Stage I include:
✅ Use of liquid or gas–fueled cooking or heating devices (e.g., camp stoves or propane grills) that can be turned off immediately if needed.
✅ Fires within permanently constructed fire pits or grates located in developed recreation sites where water for suppression is readily available.

📌 Residents and visitors are strongly urged to review local ordinances, plan ahead, and exercise extra caution to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.

📞 If you see smoke or signs of fire — CALL 911 immediately.

Chaffee County Sherriff's Office and the South Arkansas Fire Protection District may implement temporary fire restrictions based on fire danger, weather conditions, and fuel moisture levels.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, ALWAYS DIAL 911

Even if you're unsure, don't hesitate to report it. Dial 911 to notify local fire and emergency response teams. Every second counts when it comes to wildfire detection and response.