Steamboat Springs, Colorado-March 18, 2026-Due to rapidly drying conditions and an accelerated spring melt, the Steamboat Springs Area Fire Protection District is closing the open pile burn season ahead of its typical April 15 end date.
“Unseasonably warm temperatures and diminishing snowpack across the region have significantly increased fire risk, prompting the early closure,” said Fire Marshal Doug Shaffer with Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue.
In recent years, Colorado has experienced increasingly active fire seasons. At this time, open burning should be limited only to essential activities, including:
- Agricultural burns, such as ditch burning in support of irrigation, weed control, or crop production.
- Previously permitted recreational fire pits.
Officials urge residents to use extreme caution and consider alternatives such as recycling, reuse, or landfill disposal instead of burning.
“Anytime you’re considering burning, safety should be the top priority,” Shaffer added. “And as a reminder, residential wood-burning fire pits within the city and district also require inspection and a permit.”
Additional information on fire pits can be found online.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local fire weather conditions through the National Weather Service and stay informed as conditions continue to evolve over the coming months. For more information, contact Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue at 970-879-7170.
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Contact
Email Doug Shaffer, Fire Marshal, or call 970-879-7170
Email Chuck Cerasoli, Fire Chief, or call 970-879-7170
Email Michael Lane, Marketing & Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220