News Release

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions beginning June 15, 2022

Date: June 14, 2022

Gunnison, Colo. – Current and predicted weather, coupled with dry conditions, has necessitated the implementation of fire restrictions for many public lands throughout the state. Effective 12:01 am on Wednesday, June 15, in alignment with Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel Counties; the Gunnison and Uncompaghre U.S. National Forest Service lands, the Montrose and Gunnison Bureau of Land Management lands, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area will also be under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Hinsdale Country goes into restrictions on Friday, June 17, 2021.Under Stage 1, the following applies:

• Campfires are only allowed within permanently constructed steel fire rings in developed park campgrounds (i.e., metal, in- ground containment structure). Fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable. All beach fires are prohibited, including below high-water line.
• No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas.
• No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or private building, a developed recreation site, or a barren area free of vegetation.
• No use of explosive materials. Fireworks are always prohibited in the national park units.
• No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except from an area that has been cleared of vegetation.
• No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device, properly installed and in working order.

Please help protect valuable natural and cultural resources by following these restrictions. Do your part to prevent wildfires. Stage I fire restrictions will be in place until further notice. For more fire information, please visit: https://www.westslopefireinfo.com/