Stage 1 fire restrictions in the Pike National Forest and emergency closure for recreational shooting

Pueblo, Colo., October 10, 2024 – Level 1 fire restrictions are in effect today in all districts of the Pike National Forest with an emergency closure to recreational shooting effective on all public lands managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service in Pikes Peak, South Park and South Platte ranger districts. This order became effective at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, October 11, 2024, and will remain in effect until superseded or repealed, whichever occurs first. According to Level 1 fire regulations, forest visitors are only allowed to smoke in an enclosed vehicle, inside a building or while stopped in an area at least one meter in diameter that is barren or free of all combustible materials. In addition, visitors to a developed recreation area may only light or maintain fires and use charcoal in permanent fire pits or fire grates for a fee. Visitors are not permitted to operate a chainsaw without an approved spark arrester, fire extinguisher and round shovel. It is also not permitted to blast, weld or work with acetylene or other torches. Visitors are not permitted to use open flares or explosives, including fireworks or incendiary ammunition.

The order also restricts recreational shooting, including the discharge of a firearm, air rifle or gas pistol, unless the person has a current and valid state hunting license and is actively engaged in hunting during an open season pursuant to that license.

“It is important that we take these steps to ensure the safety of visitors recreating in the forests as we head into a holiday weekend in very dry conditions. We welcome everyone’s support to help reduce the risk of severe wildfires. Please rest safely this weekend and throughout the season,” said James Pitts, assistant forest and grasslands supervisor for the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. For a complete list of prohibited acts and permitted activities, see Forest Closure Order No. 02-12-00-24-31 and the Level 1 Fire Restriction and Emergency Recreational Shooting Map.

Because the restrictions are enforceable by a fine or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both, forest visitors are responsible for ensuring they understand the restriction and can find any additional fire restrictions implemented by counties reporting to the Forest Service here -Areas bordering Colorado. For more information on fire restrictions, see the interactive fire map here. Follow PSICC on X and Facebook for up-to-date information about the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and the Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands. For more fire resources, see