January 15, 2026
Stage I Fire Restrictions Now in Effect - Custer County
After consultation with the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District Fire Chief, the National Weather Service and a thorough review of current fire danger conditions, along with the possibility of a red flag warning tomorrow, Sheriff and Fire Warden Rich Smith has implemented Stage I Fire Restrictions for Custer County, effective immediately on January 15, 2026.
Under Stage I Fire Restrictions, the following activities are prohibited by statute:
- Open burning
(Exceptions: Fires and campfires in permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds; charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves at private residences if the area is cleared of all flammable materials within a three-foot radius.) - Use of fireworks, explosive targets, model rockets, or any outdoor pyrotechnics without a professional display permit.
- Outdoor smoking, except:
∗ Inside an enclosed vehicle or building
∗ Within a developed recreation site
∗ While stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials - Welding or operating acetylene or similar torches with an open flame, unless in a cleared area free of vegetation.
- Operation of internal combustion engines without a properly installed and functioning spark arrestor.
- Prescribed burns
(Any previously issued permits are now revoked.)
These restrictions will remain in effect until modified as specified in Custer County Resolution 18-17.
These fire restrictions do not apply to the US Forest Service or BLM which have not issued a fire restriction.
However, users of these public lands should use extreme caution.
Stay Informed and Prepared
For updates, visit:
Custer County Sheriff's Office Website
To sign up for Everbridge emergency alerts (cell phone, landline, text, or email), use the link below:
Sign up or update Everbridge contact info
Know your neighborhood's fire evacuation route:
View Fire Evacuation Routes (PDF)
Respectfully,
Sheriff Rich Smith