Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: USFS Pike-San Isabel National Forest March 27-Aug 1

Forest Service News Release
Media Contact: Public Affairs Office
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www.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc

Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands enter Stage 1 fire restrictions

(Pueblo, CO, March 27, 2026) — Stage 1 fire restrictions have gone into effect on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. This includes all National Forest System lands, roads and trails, as well as all designated dispersed campsites within the exterior boundaries of the PSICC. This order is in effect from March 27, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has coordinated with all affected counties, state agencies and neighboring federal land managers on the timing of the restrictions.

Going into restrictions is not taken lightly by the Forest Service. Restrictions are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns and the danger of human-caused wildfires from recreation usage across the forests and grasslands. Recent dry, windy and hot weather conditions have resulted in an elevated potential for wildfires. Fire restrictions will help protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources.

Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, forest and grassland visitors may only build or maintain fires and use charcoal in permanent fire pits or fire grates in a developed recreation site, such as a campground where fees are charged. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Visitors are prohibited from using an explosive and from welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A.

A violation of these regulations is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.

Forest Service staff will continue to monitor conditions to assess the need for further action, including additional restrictions if weather remains hot and dry and lessening restrictions if a wetter weather pattern develops.

Additional information for this order can be found on our alerts webpage. Forest and grasslands visitors are responsible for ensuring they understand the restrictions and can find any additional fire restrictions implemented by counties adjacent to Forest Service lands in Colorado and Kansas on our website. For more information on fire restrictions, please visit the interactive fire restriction map. For more fire resources, visit our website.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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Forest Service News Release
Media Contact: Public Affairs Office
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc

PSICC enacts recreational shooting restrictions due to elevated fire danger

The restrictions affect South Platte, South Park and Pikes Peak ranger districts

(Pueblo, CO, April 1, 2026) — Recreational target shooting restrictions have gone into effect on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. This includes all National Forest System lands within the exterior boundaries of the South Platte Ranger District (Park, Jefferson, Douglas, Clear Creek and Teller counties), South Park Ranger District (Park and Teller counties) and Pikes Peak Ranger District (El Paso, Park and Teller counties). This order is in effect from April 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through August 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.

The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources. The order is in support of the emergency Stage 1 Fire Restriction order that went into effect on March 27, 2026, with the goal of minimizing the potential of human-caused fires during the high to extreme environmental conditions present across the PSICC.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has coordinated with all affected counties, state agencies and neighboring federal land managers on the timing of the restrictions.

Going into restrictions is not taken lightly by the Forest Service. Restrictions are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns and the danger of human-caused wildfires from recreation usage across the forests and grasslands. Recent dry, windy and hot weather conditions have resulted in an elevated potential for wildfires.

Under a recreational target shooting closure, forest visitors on the South Platte, South Park and Pikes Peak ranger districts are prohibited from discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun. A violation of these regulations is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both.

Additional information about this order can be found on our alerts webpage. Forest visitors are responsible for ensuring they understand the restrictions. For alternative shooting opportunities, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Shooting Range Finder.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology–and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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