Mineral County CO Emergency Management

10/22/2026

09/16/2026

Fire restrictions on all National Forest System Lands within the San Juan National Forest will be rescinded effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, September 16th. Widespread precipitation combined with cooler temperatures have lowered the risk of human-caused wildfire. While campfires are no longer restricted, hunters and recreationists are urged to continue to use caution.

Visitors are encouraged to practice these principles of outdoor fire safety:

-Clear all flammable material within three feet of campfire rings
-Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out
-Never leave a fire unattended
-Keep fires small and manageable
-Extinguish fires completely. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Every campfire should be put DEAD OUT before leaving it

Fall is a great time to implement Firewise principles around your property. Learn about defensive space around your home and get support from partners like ---
Wildfire Adapted Partnership, Colorado State Forest Service, and Fire Adapted Colorado, or by contacting our offices.

09/08/2026

07/31/2026

Rio Grande National Forest lifts fire restrictions

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are terminated effective today Friday, July 31st, 2026. This decision was influenced by current conditions that reflect a significant reduction in fire danger across the forest. Fire danger level moved down to moderate this week, with continued rainy weather in our local forecasts and higher fuel moisture levels.

Some small lighting fires may continue as monsoons persist. Rio Grande National Forest fire personnel are positioned and ready to respond if needed.

Visitors are encouraged to continue practicing fire safety and remain vigilant if fire danger increases.

More info at www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/alerts

07/31/2026

07/29/2026

07/15/2026

Low flows and high water temperatures have led Colorado Parks and Wildlife to impose voluntary afternoon fishing closures on two stretches of the Rio Grande.

07/03/2026

STAGE 2 Fire Restriction in effect starting July 4 on the Rio Grande National Forest
1. No fires except a device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned off that is used in an area cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet.
2. Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building.
3. No welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
4. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off of National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the motor vehicle is prohibited.
5. Explosives are always illegal on public lands.
Forest Order, map and more information at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/riogrande/alerts