Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit

05/15/2026

The US National Weather Service Grand Junction Colorado issued a Red Flag Warning for fire weather zones that include the Grand Junction Field Office and the Colorado River Valley Field Office. The warning is in effect noon until 8 p.m. today and tomorrow.

Anything that creates heat or sparks – like campfires, grills, smoking, chainsaws, or off-road vehicles – can start a wildfire in dry, windy weather. Please be extra careful until conditions improve.

For more details ➡️ https://www.weather.gov/crh/FWFdisplay?zone=COZ203

Not every day carries the same wildfire risk.

Hot temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds can create conditions where fires start easily and spread rapidly. These are often called Red Flag conditions.

Before heading out, take a moment to:
• Check local weather and fire conditions
• Follow fire restrictions
• Avoid activities that could spark a fire on high-risk days

During Wildfire Awareness Month, staying aware of conditions is one of the simplest ways to help prevent wildfires.



Photo by Joe Bradshaw

05/13/2026

Public lands aren't fireproof ...

Nearly 85% of wildfires in the United States are caused by people — which means most wildfires can be prevented.

During Wildfire Awareness Month, everyone has a role in reducing wildfire risk:
• Secure trailer chains and inspect tires, bearings, and axles
• Follow local fire restrictions
• Drown, stir, and feel campfires until cold to the touch
• Use equipment responsibly, especially during dry and windy conditions

Small actions can prevent big fires and help keep firefighters focused on naturally caused incidents.

Learn more wildfire prevention tips: https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/blog/10-tips-prevent-wildfires

04/17/2026

This week, we proudly celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week by recognizing the incredible team at the Grand Junction Interagency Dispatch Center.

When a fire starts, dispatchers set the entire response in motion. They mobilize crews, engines, and smokejumpers; track aircraft; monitor fire activity; and provide critical weather and fire behavior information that supports safe, effective operations on every incident.

The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit is deeply grateful for the extraordinary people who are the Grand Junction Interagency Dispatch Center — a team of highly skilled, dedicated professionals who play a foundational role in successful wildland fire management.

Thank you for your vigilance, your expertise, and the vital work you do every day to keep our firefighters and our communities safe.

03/30/2026

Mesa County Public Health has issued a No Burn Advisory for Monday, March 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Burning of any kind, including agricultural burning, is not allowed during this advisory period.

Learn more on our website. bit.ly/4depypv

02/19/2026

U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighters will burn vegetation debris piles in the Grand Junction Field Office today from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

They plan to ignite about 500 piles across 217 acres in the Miller Canyon Road Unit located ~13 miles southwest of Grand Junction. Smoke may be visible from Glade Park and the Grand Valley through this evening.

Learn more about these fuel reduction efforts ➡️ https://www.blm.gov/announcement/wildland-firefighters-burn-slash-piles-mesa-county

Thank you for your understanding and support for maintaining healthy, resilient landscapes and reducing wildfire risk!

Fire managers with the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit plan to burn piles of cut branches and brush – called slash piles – in Mesa County now through April 2026. Smoke may be visible ...

02/06/2026

BLM Colorado is seeking public input on a proposed project to treat vegetation on about 5,000 acres of public land in the King Mountain area of Routt County. If approved, the project will reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health by removing hazardous trees and thinning overgrown areas. The public comment period ends March 8.

Find more details on the BLM NEPA Register page ➡️ https://ow.ly/CqVm50Y9uH5

BLM 📸 by Kristy Wallner

01/26/2026

🔥 Prescribed Fire Notice 🔥

Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit fire managers will attempt to burn vegetation debris piles in the Little Dolores Unit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 27-28. This unit is located approximately 13 miles southwest of Glade Park.

Smoke may be visible from a limited time from Glade Park and the Grand Valley. If conditions remain favorable, fire managers will continue ignitions in other units throughout the week.

Learn more, including planned burn locations ➡️ https://www.blm.gov/announcement/wildland-firefighters-burn-slash-piles-mesa-county

Thank you for your understanding and support for maintaining healthy, resilient landscapes and reducing wildfire risk!

12/11/2025

🔥Update: Prescribed Pile Burns Making Progress!

UCR Fire personnel have successfully completed prescribed pile burns on approximately 30 acres, treating 230 piles to date! These efforts help reduce wildfire risk and improve ecosystem health.

This week, we started seeding these areas to encourage a strong native vegetation response — a key step in restoring resilient landscapes.

But we’re not done yet! We still have around 1,000 piles to burn across 300 acres this winter, including locations on Glade Park, and along the Colorado and Dolores Rivers.

Thanks to our dedicated fire crews and partners for making this important work happen safely and effectively. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our winter prescribed fire operations! 🔥

(BLM photos)

12/01/2025

🔥 Prescribed Fire Notice – Farmers Canyon Unit 🔥

The Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit plans to begin pile burn ignitions tomorrow (Dec. 2) in the Farmers Canyon Unit, located approximately 20 miles south of Grand Junction.

If conditions remain favorable, fire managers will target a 40-acre area for treatment. Smoke may be visible from Highway 50 between Grand Junction and Delta during operations.

While no significant smoke impacts are expected, prescribed fire smoke can affect your health. We encourage residents to stay informed and take precautions if needed.

👉 For more information on how smoke may affect your health, visit the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division website: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us maintain healthy, resilient landscapes and reduce wildfire risk.

11/20/2025

Fire managers with the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit will conduct prescribed burns of slash piles across Mesa County now through April 2026. These burns are part of ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk and protect our landscapes.

✅ What to Expect:
-- Slash piles (cut branches and brush) will be burned when weather conditions are safe and allow smoke to disperse.
-- Smoke may be visible during and after burns as piles smolder.
-- All burns follow a detailed, approved fire plan and have state-issued smoke permits.

For more information, including a list and map of locations, read the announcement: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/wildland-firefighters-burn-slash-piles-mesa-county

Thank you for your support as we work to keep our communities and wildlands safer!

Health Note: Prescribed fire smoke may affect your health. Learn more from CDPHE Air Pollution Control Division

Fire managers with the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit plan to burn piles of cut branches and brush – called slash piles – in Mesa County now through April 2026. Smoke may be visible ...