Media Contact: City of Rifle: Kyle Mills, Communications & Engagement Specialist—970-665-6577
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office: Shannon Stowe, PIO/Media Specialist—970-384-2442
City of Rifle Joins Garfield County in Implementing Stage Two Fire Restrictions Effective June 26
RIFLE, CO (June 24, 2026) – In coordination with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, and the seven fire protection districts serving Garfield County, the City of Rifle will implement Stage Two Fire Restrictions effective Friday, June 26, 2026. These restrictions apply throughout the City of Rifle and all of Garfield County.
Due to an active wildfire in Garfield County, increasingly dry vegetation, and severe drought conditions, fire officials have determined there is a significant risk for additional wildfires across the region.
Pursuant to City of Rifle Municipal Code Section 10-10-40, the City automatically adopts fire restrictions enacted by Garfield County.
Under Stage Two Fire Restrictions:
Use of fireworks - Not permitted
Burn Permits (General) - No Burn Permits will be issued. All previously-issued burn permits
are cancelled.Recreational Fires - No Recreational Fires
Cooking Fires – Use caution and keep attended. Cooking devices must be clean
(including gas cylinder) and in proper working order.a. Gas Grills – No permit required.
Charcoal and other Solid Fuel Grills & Cookers – No permit required in Developed Areas only.
In Undeveloped Areas, a permit from the local fire department may be required.
Smoking - Open Smoking allowed in Developed Areas.
In Undeveloped Areas, allowed only in an enclosed vehicle or building.
Welding and Spark-emitting cutting (Hot Work) - Developed area: Use extreme caution and take preventative measures as necessary.
Undeveloped area: Industrial use only. A permit from the local fire department may be required. Must be in a cleared area at least 10 feet in diameter with a designated lookout. Must have Class A fire extinguishing capabilities readily available.
Operating of internal combustion engine-powered equipment such as Chain Saws, hand-held tools, or generators without a spark-arresting device is prohibited. If described equipment does have a spark arresting device, you must have Class A fire extinguishing capabilities readily available, and round-point shovel (36" length minimum) shall be readily available for use.
Other internal combustion engine-powered equipment, such as tractors and mowers: Operate with extreme caution paying special attention in areas subject to extreme conditions that may be susceptible to ignition (dry weeds and grasses, etc.).
Use of explosives, explosive targets and steel or tracer bullets - Not permitted
Use of firearms – Steel jacket/core bullets (Armor Piercing) and tracer bullets are expressly prohibited. It is the responsibility of each independent range to ensure safe fire conditions at all times the range is in use. This includes: mitigating fuels that may potentially catch fire; monitoring downrange conditions/impacts; maintaining the ability to access and rapidly extinguish fires; notifying the local fire department immediately in the event of a fire of any size. Keeping a usable fire-extinguishing application method on hand is strongly recommended.
If shooting at an unattended range - including those on public and private property - the responsibility for ensuring safe fire conditions falls on the independent shooter.
For the purposes of these restrictions, a Developed Area is a groomed, landscaped, or irrigated area where vegetation is regularly maintained by the property owner, including residential neighborhoods, business districts, parks, and improved recreational areas.
An Undeveloped Area includes lands where vegetation is allowed to grow naturally, such as open space, non-landscaped parklands, greenbelts, and other areas determined by the authority having jurisdiction to present an elevated wildfire hazard.
The restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect public safety, property, and natural resources during this period of elevated fire danger.
The City of Rifle appreciates the community’s cooperation and commitment to protecting lives, property, and natural resources during this period of heightened wildfire risk.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about current fire restrictions and exercise extreme caution with any activity that could create a spark or ignition source.
Additional information regarding prohibited and permitted activities under Stage Two Fire Restrictions will be available on the City of Rifle website and social media channels.
For additional information regarding fire restrictions, residents are encouraged to monitor official City of Rifle and Garfield County communication channels.
For updates and information on all City matters, please go to our website, www.rifleco.org, or our Facebook, Instagram and X pages.
Visit www.rifleco.org/NotifyMe to sign up for Community News. Pick what topics you would like to be notified about and the method you would like to receive them.
About Rifle: A small municipality on Colorado’s Western Slope, Rifle blends rugged landscapes with vibrant local culture. From scenic hikes to authentic cowboy heritage, adventure and hospitality await around every corner.
The City of Rifle values full inclusion and access for all of our facilities, programs, activities, and services. We are pleased to provide meaningful accommodations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonably provide translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids, and services.
To request special assistance, call Kathy Pototsky at 970-319-8288 or email our ADA Team at [email protected]. Please allow 48 hours for your requests to be met.
La Ciudad de Rifle valora la plena inclusión y acceso para todas nuestras instalaciones, programas, actividades y servicios. Nos complace proporcionar alojamientos significativos para cumplir con la Ley de Estados Unidos con Discapacidades (ADA) y proporcionar razonablemente traducciónes, interpretaciónes, modificaciones, adaptaciones, formatos alternativos, ayudas auxiliares y servicios.
Para solicitar asistencia especial, llame a la Kathy Pototsky al 970-319-8288 o envíe un correo electrónico a el equipo ADA a [email protected]. Por favor, permita 48 horas para que se atiendan sus solicitudes