Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Begin in Fort Collins

With a weird winter comes a weird spring in Northern Colorado. We're starting the spring season with, get this, fire restrictions in some parts of Northern Colorado. The sheer lack of moisture from barely any snow and no rain so far in 2026 has made all of the vegetation in the region quite crispy and dry.

Fire Restrictions Begin Early in Northern Colorado

For this reason, Fort Collins and parts of Larimer County have enabled Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Wednesday, March 25. So, what does this mean? Well, there are some things you can use, and some things you cannot, when it comes to fires.

What Is Not Allowed Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires
Open discarding of smoking materials
Fireworks or any fused explosives
Use of chainsaws without spark arresters
Use of incendiary devices or other explosives and burning of explosive waste
Operating any pest control equipment that relies on the ignition of flammable gas or liquids

What Is Allowed Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Gas or liquid-fueled grills, fire pits, and stoves
Fires in approved containers using clean, dry wood or charcoal
Smoking only in cleared or enclosed areas, such as a vehicle or building
Welding with proper safety measures
Fires authorized by permits issued by Larimer County and approved by the Fire Code Official

Fire restrictions are certainly an odd way to go into spring in Northern Colorado. However, these past two seasons have been awfully weird in general when it comes to winter. Here's hoping that we get that much-needed rain soon. Better yet, a nice, large snowstorm in April.