09/05/2025
Delta County Downgrades to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions – Effective September 5th
September 4, 2025 – Delta, CO
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Effective Friday, September 5, 2025, Delta County will downgrade from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions along with other neighboring counties and the Bureau of Land Management. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests moved to Stage 1 restrictions prior to the Labor Day holiday weekend. The decision to reduce restrictions to Stage 1 came after coordination with local, state and federal fire and land management officials. While extreme drought persists in Delta County and fire danger remains high, fall weather patterns are beginning to shift and help firefighters with response to any fires that start.
“The downgrade to Stage 1 fire restrictions allows the County to balance the elevated fire risk and need to take action to minimize the risk of human-caused wildfires with the recreational needs of residents and visitors to the County,” said Delta County Undersheriff Quinn Archibeque. The decision was made following coordination with local, state and federal partners on a weekly fire coordination call and review of the fire indices and conditions across the region.
Recent waves of monsoon moisture into Delta County with a few storms forecast in the coming week, combined with higher humidity levels in the morning and evening hours, cooler overnight temperatures and an increase in availability of fire response resources are all reasons to reduce fire restrictions to Stage 1.
While restrictions are being reduced, the Sheriff’s Office and fire management partners would like to remind all residents and hunters coming to Delta County to be extra vigilant and to be fire wise to help prevent an unintentional wildfire from starting. Trees, grasses and brush are extremely dry and careless actions such as throwing a lit cigarette out of a vehicle, dragging trailer chains or starting a campfire outside of a permanent fire ring may lead to an unintentional wildfire which can quickly spread and endanger private property and homes. Fire restrictions are meant to balance and protect the health and safety of residents in Delta County and prevent human caused wildfires.
Stage 1 fire restrictions become effective in Delta County on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 12:01 am and apply to all unincorporated lands within Delta County, state parks and wildlife areas and within the Town limits of any municipality within Delta County which elects by appropriate ordinance or resolution to have the provisions of Delta County fire restrictions apply within their jurisdiction.
Violations of fire restrictions can result in a citation by law enforcement and fines and the possibility of additional charges based on the conditions of the fire and damages caused.
Stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded by the Sheriff.
For the full list of restrictions and a fire restriction graphic, please visit: https://DeltaCountyCO.gov/138/Burning-Restrictions