Current Fire Restrictions:

STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT - updated June 24th 

Beginning June 24th at 6:00 AM, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for all of unincorporated Chaffee County, including the municipalities of Salida, Buena Vista, and Poncha Springs.

Under Stage 2 restrictions, NO open fires may be built, maintained, or attended anywhere in Chaffee County. Fireworks are strictly prohibited.

Additional prohibitions include:

- Explosive materials (including fireworks, exploding targets, tracer rounds, blasting caps, and any incendiary devices)

- Smoking (except inside vehicles/buildings or in a cleared area at least 12 feet in diameter)

- Use of chainsaws and other combustion engines (except as specifically exempt under county ordinance)

- Welding, grinding metal, or torch use with an open flame

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.

 

Fremont County:  Upgraded to Stage 2 Fire Restriction 

On June 18th, 2026, Fremont County upgraded to Stage 2 fire restrictions.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://crimewatch.net/us/co/fremont/sheriff/180579/content/fire-ban-status

 

NEW UPDATE:

As of March 27, 2026, Stage I Fire Restrictions have now been expanded to include ALL National Forest System lands, roads, and trails, as well as all designated dispersed campsites within the exterior boundaries of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.

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.

📌 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.