**Steamboat Springs, Colorado-September 10, 2026-**The fire restrictions are easing, but the need for caution is not. After more than two months under Stage 2 fire restrictions, the City of Steamboat Springs is moving to Stage 1 restrictions effective today, Sept. 10, joining Routt County, which recently made the same change.
The move comes after Stage 2 restrictions were put in place June 25 amid dry conditions and elevated wildfire concerns. While the change provides some relief, the region remains in extreme drought conditions, and Stage 1 restrictions continue to prohibit several activities that can start a wildfire.
“This is a step in the right direction, but it is not a signal that we can let our guard down,” Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue Chief Chuck Cerasoli said. “We’re still dealing with very dry conditions, and it only takes one careless spark to start a fire. We’re asking everyone to continue to be mindful of how their actions can affect the community and our wildfire risk.”
Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following activities remain prohibited:
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire to burn trash, debris, fence rows, irrigation ditches or vegetation.
Campfires, warming fires and charcoal grills, except in designated campgrounds, picnic areas or developed recreational sites.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreational site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of flammable material.
Operating a chainsaw without the required spark-arresting device, fire extinguisher and shovel.
Welding or operating acetylene or other open-flame torches, except in an area cleared of flammable material at least 10 feet on all sides.
Using explosives requiring fuses or blasting caps.
The city is encouraging residents and visitors to continue treating fire prevention as a shared responsibility. That means properly extinguishing smoking materials, using equipment carefully and avoiding activities that could create sparks or ignite dry vegetation.
“Wildfire prevention doesn’t end when restrictions are reduced,” continued Cerasoli. “We all play a role in keeping Steamboat Springs and the surrounding area safe.”
Recreational fire pits are allowed under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at private residences with a valid permit from SSFR. Contact SSFR to obtain a permit and schedule an inspection.
The City Manager formally rescinded the Stage 2 restrictions effective Sept. 10, 2026. The city will continue to monitor conditions and adjust fire restrictions as needed. In addition, sign up for Routt County Emergency Alerts so you can be contacted when minutes matters during an emergency.
-WeServeTheCity-
ContactEmail Chuck Cerasoli, Fire Chief, or call 970-879-7170Email Doug Shaffer, Fire Marshal, or call 970-879-7170Email Michael Lane, Marketing & Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220