News Release

Black Canyon and Curecanti move to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

Date: August 13, 2025

MONTROSE, Colo. – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area are in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective August 14 at 12:01 am.

During periods of high fire-danger weather, the following acts are prohibited:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire is prohibited in all areas of the parks, including charcoal fires. Properly shielded gas or liquid-fueled portable camp stoves are allowed.
2. Smoking is prohibited, except within a personally owned enclosed vehicle.
3. Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on all federal public land, including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National.

Area Description: All lands within the boundaries of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area.

Fire use by visitors in the parks is regulated to protect resources and visitors. The intent of Stage 2 Fire Restrictions is to reduce the number of human-caused fires during periods of very high fire danger by decreasing potential sources of ignition.

Montrose, Delta, and Gunnison Counties are experiencing critical fire conditions--extremely dry fuels, above normal temperatures, low humidity, minimal precipitation, and high winds. As many fires ignite across the west, competition for firefighting resources remains high.

When necessary, National Park Service Rangers will issue citations to persons violating the terms of this closure under authority of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.5(f) - punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to 6 months in jail.

Please use extreme caution when visiting public lands during the hot, dry, summer season.

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