Durango imposes Stage 2 fire restrictions amid drought and high winds

Campfires, grills, fireworks, open burns and smoking were off the table across Durango’s city limits starting Friday, June 26, after Stage 2 fire restrictions took effect. Campers, van-lifers and day users headed for city parks, trails, open space and other city-managed land had to leave the flame gear behind.

The City of Durango announced the change on June 25 after City Manager José Madrigal issued an emergency declaration following consultation with the Durango Fire Protection District. City council is set to review the action on Monday, June 29, but the restrictions were already in force as the city responded to unprecedented drought, high winds, numerous Red Flag warnings and dangerous wildfire conditions.

The emergency ordinance behind the move gives Madrigal authority to impose Stage II and III fire and smoking restrictions without council approval, as long as the recommendation comes from the Durango Fire Protection District. Beyond campfires and fireworks, smoking is prohibited in any public outdoor area or city facility, and gas grills on private property, pellet grills, welding or torch work, and internal combustion equipment such as chainsaws, lawn mowers, generators and all-terrain vehicles now come with extra requirements, including spark arresters, fire watches, fire extinguishers and cleared zones around equipment.

A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring now or will shortly, with strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures all capable of driving extreme fire behavior.

Durango keeps fire rules in place under its code of ordinances, though they can vary by agency and jurisdiction. La Plata County also put Stage 2 restrictions in effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26, for unincorporated county areas and county-owned lands, leaving private lands in Bayfield, Ignacio, Durango and federal lands outside that county order. In August 2025, Durango approved an emergency ordinance allowing Madrigal to extend fire and smoking restrictions for 60 days, and the city later repealed Stage 2 rules on September 5, 2025, on the recommendation of Durango Fire Protection District Chief Randy Black.