News Release

Dinosaur National Monument Implements Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

Smoke from fires in the western US fills the sky around Split Mountain

NPS

News Release Date: June 23, 2026

Contact: Dan Johnson, [phone]

DINOSAUR, Colo. – Dinosaur National Monument will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning Friday, June 26, at 12:01 a.m.

“The extremely dry conditions along with large amounts of flammable vegetation have created a high fire danger situation,” said Superintendent Phil Akers. “While the monument originally planned to enter Stage 1 restrictions on Friday, further consultation with our federal, state, and county partners and the increasing fire danger warranted a direct move into Stage 2 restrictions. As recent fires in Utah and Colorado have shown, conditions are ripe for fires to break out.”

To protect visitors and park staff and the natural and cultural resources in Dinosaur National Monument, restrictions on all fires have been issued. Building or using any open fire or campfire is prohibited. This includes fires in grills at campgrounds and picnic areas. Charcoal fires or the use of charcoal in grills are prohibited. The use of campfires and charcoal in the backcountry, including along the Green and Yampa rivers, is prohibited. Building any type of fire in a fire pan is also prohibited. Using pressurized gas or liquid fuel stoves is permitted in all areas. Cooking stoves must have an on/off switch.

Smoking is permitted only in enclosed vehicles. Fireworks are always strictly prohibited in Dinosaur National Monument and other federal lands. 

These restrictions will remain in effect until such time as the fire danger in the monument becomes less severe. These restrictions are dependent upon extended fire weather and conditions and will be evaluated daily. If the fire danger increases, further restrictions may be enacted.

If 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). We ask for everyone’s cooperation during this high fire danger period to decrease the potential for a catastrophic fire in Dinosaur National Monument this season.

For more information, contact the monument at [phone]. You can also find us on the web at www.nps.gov/dino or follow us on social media at @dinosaurnps.