The first campfire ban at Rocky Mountain National Park since August 2020 was put in effect today and will remain in place until further notice. The ban was issued due to extreme fire danger, extended weather forecast, and current fire activity in Colorado.
The fire ban extends to all campfires, including charcoal fires. Petroleum-fueled cooking stoves and grills may still be used in developed campgrounds, picnic areas and in designated wilderness campsites. All stoves MUST be able to be turned on and off.
Smoking is prohibited inside the park, except in an enclosed vehicle or within a developed paved area devoid of vegetation for at least three feet. Visitors are reminded to fully extinguish all their butts and dispose of properly. Fireworks hav always been and remain prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park Statement:
Fire Ban In Effect:
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place, meaning that a fire ban is in effect within Rocky Mountain National Park. This ban is effective beginning today, Thursday, August 1, 2024, and will remain in effect until further notice.
When fires bans are in effect, all campfires, including charcoal briquette fires, are prohibited anywhere within Rocky Mountain National Park. However, petroleum-fueled stoves and grills may still be used in developed campgrounds, picnic areas and in designated wilderness campsites. Stoves must be able to be turned on and off.
Smoking is also prohibited inside the park, except within an enclosed vehicle, or stopped within a developed paved area devoid of vegetation for at least three feet. Visitors are reminded to properly extinguish all lighted smoking materials and dispose of properly.
Fireworks are always prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors are urged to use caution and vigilance regarding the use of fire in authorized locations.
The last time a total fire ban (Stage 2 fire restrictions) was in place in the park was in August of 2020.
Rocky Mountain National Park always has at least Stage 1 fire restrictions in place, where campfires are prohibited in the park, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and front-country campgrounds.
These Rules are Always in Effect:
- Fires, including grills and charcoal briquettes, are only allowed in designated areas and sites where a metal fire ring or grate is provided. These areas include developed campgrounds, some picnic areas, and some designated wilderness campsites. Campfires and grills are not allowed anywhere else in the park.
- Petroleum-fueled stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. A permit is required to use a petroleum-fueled stove in designated wilderness sites.
- The park may enforce stricter fire regulations, including fire bans.
Fire Safety Tips:
- To report a fire in the park, call 911.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Before leaving or going to sleep, completely extinguish your fire by dousing it with water and stirring the ashes until there is no more heat, smoke, or embers.
- Be careful with equipment such as stoves, lanterns, heaters, and grills. Avoid spilling flammable substances, store fuel away from appliances, and allow equipment to cool.
- Discard cigarettes and matches properly. Completely extinguish and dispose of smoking materials in a cigarette receptacle or carry them out of the park with you.
