Boulder County, Colo. -Sheriff Curtis Johnson and the Board of County Commissioners announce that Stage 1 fire restrictions have been rescinded for the eastern portion of unincorporated Boulder County, while Stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect for the western portion. This change is effective today, June 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

The decision follows a review of current fire danger conditions, including data from the National Weather Service and the National Fire Danger Rating System.

Conditions in the plains area no longer meet the threshold for Stage 1 restrictions, while the mountain area continues to face elevated wildfire risk.

Areas Where Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Are Rescinded (Eastern Boulder County)

The rescinded area includes all unincorporated lands east of the following boundaries:

• East of Colorado Highway 93 from the southern county line to its intersection with CO‑119
• East of Broadway Avenue from CO‑119 to US‑36
• East of US Highway 36 from Broadway Avenue to the northern county line
• East of the western boundary of Rabbit Mountain Open Space, extending to and including US‑36, and
• All of Rabbit Mountain Open Space

Residents and visitors in these eastern areas may now resume activities previously restricted under Stage 1 fire restrictions, while continuing to follow all applicable municipal regulations.

Areas Where Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect (Western Boulder County)

Stage 1 restrictions continue for all unincorporated lands west of the boundaries listed above. These areas include the mountain communities and foothills where fire danger remains elevated.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Prohibit:

• Open fires, including campfires and charcoal grills on public lands
• Fireworks: sale, use, and possession
• Recreational shooting on public lands (except lawful hunting)
• Smoking except in enclosed vehicles/buildings or cleared areas
• Chainsaw or combustion engine use without proper spark arrestors and safety equipment
• Welding or torch use without a 10‑foot cleared area and extinguisher
• Explosives or blasting work
• Parking motorized vehicles in grassy or vegetated areas

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Allow:

• Fires in constructed, permanent fire pits or grates within developed recreation sites (see list below)
• Use of gas‑powered or fully enclosed stoves and lanterns on public or private land

Approved recreation sites include:

• Kelly Dahl Campground
• Rainbow Lakes Campground
• Camp Dick Campground
• Peaceful Valley Campground
• Meeker Park Campground
• Olive Ridge Campground
• Brainard Lake Recreation Area (including Pawnee Campground)

For U.S. Forest Service‑managed lands, visit the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Alerts Page.

Enforcement & Penalties

Violations of fire restrictions may result in a civil infraction and a $500 fine, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.

These restrictions apply only to unincorporated Boulder County. Incorporated cities and towns may have their own regulations.

Legal Authority

Fire restrictions are authorized under Colorado Revised Statutes §§ 30‑15‑401(1)(n.5) and (n.7), and Boulder County Ordinance 2023‑1, which empower the Board of County Commissioners and the Sheriff to enact or rescind fire restrictions based on wildfire danger.