09/05/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2026
Las Animas County Reduces Fire Restrictions from Stage Two to Stage One
TRINIDAD, Colorado— Effective September 2, 2026, Las Animas County is reducing fire restrictions from Stage Two to Stage One in the unincorporated areas of Las Animas County.
Although conditions have improved sufficiently to reduce restrictions, wildfire danger remains. Residents and visitors are urged to use caution and comply with all Stage One Fire Restrictions. These restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires while allowing certain activities when appropriate fire-safety measures are followed.
The following Stage One prohibited and restricted activities are in effect:
Las Animas County
Fire Restrictions
STAGE ONE PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, coal or wood
burning stove, fireplace, any type of charcoal or wood fueled cooking. In
an undeveloped area.
a. Use of a coal or wood burning stove or fireplace INSIDE a private residence is allowed only if the flue pipe, chimney, or other exhaust structure is equipped with a properly installed NFPA- approved spark arrestor such as a chimney cap.
b. Campfires contained in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire
grates within a developed recreation camp ground area ARE allowed.
c. Grills using propane and other bottled fuels are allowed only in
areas free of flammable vegetation and other flammable materials,
and must be used in a manner which present no fire danger to the
surrounding area.
d. No grill shall be left unattended, and shall have an adequate
water supply and/or fire extinguisher on site.
f. If a fire is a requirement to do business (example: barbecue restaurant) said business shall be required to have been inspected and approved by local fire department.
2. No burning of trash, refuse or other debris.
3. No fireworks of ANY kind. Except by licensed/insured Professional Services with permit.
4. Smoking; except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or outdoor smoking
area that is hard-surfaced, barren, or otherwise cleared of all flammable
vegetation and material. Discarding of cigarette butts in a receptacle not
designed for disposal of cigarette butts, or at any location, or from any
vehicle is expressly prohibited.
5. Using any explosive materials, to include: fireworks, solid fuel rockets,
blasting caps or any incendiary device which may result in the ignition of
flammable material.
6. Outdoor welding, grinding or use of any type of torch IS ALLOWED.
a. There must be a fire extinguisher and shovel on site with a minimum of a ten (10) pound class A fire extinguisher.
7. Operating any outdoor equipment or machinery in an undeveloped area
with an internal combustion engine IS ALLOWED, but must have a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either:
a. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or
b. Appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a).
c. There must be a fire extinguisher and shovel on site. With a minimum of a ten (10) pound class A fire extinguisher.
Additional information
These restrictions apply in the unincorporated areas of Las Animas County. Other fire restrictions or prohibitions may apply on federal, state, municipal, tribal, or private lands. Residents and visitors are responsible for checking with the appropriate land-management agency or local jurisdiction before conducting activities involving fire, smoking, equipment operation, or other ignition sources.
Las Animas County appreciates the public’s continued cooperation in reducing the risk of human-caused wildfires. Anyone who observes smoke or an uncontrolled fire should call 911 immediately.
