Ensure your campfire has minimal impact. If a campfire is important to you:
High altitudes are susceptible to wood that burns hot and fast. The wet environment can also be very dry in the summer months. Know what the fire restrictions are in your camping destination before thinking of starting a fire. Fire conditions can change daily, just because you start camping and there is not a fire ban in place does not mean there will not be one issued later in the day.
Find San Juan National Forest fire restrictions here.
Find city/county fire restrictions here.
There are best practices for how to safely have a fire once you know there are no fire restrictions in place.
Fire season heightens the importance of responsible recreation. We suggest looking at fire-free alternatives
Wildland fires and smoke are natural parts of life in Colorado. Not every day is the picturesque clear blue sky you see in media. If you see smoke find out if it from a planned or unplanned burn by calling the San Jaun National Forest Supervisor's Office (970) 247-4874 . If you are worried about air quality, visit Airnow.gov for the latest air quality measurements.
Additional Guidelines
Fire Rules to Live By:
Manage your campfire. No matter which fire-building technique you employ, the following guidelines will ensure that your fire is safe and leaves as little impact as possible:
Your good deeds could earn you a Durango dream vacation, including lodging, dining, and activities. Sign the Care for Durango pledge to be a responsible traveler during your visit and you will be entered to win a return trip to Durango!