Campfire Safety in the Gunnison Valley

Check the Gunnison County website for information on current fire restrictions.

Make sure you’re up to date on any fire bans or restrictions before building a campfire. Use these local resources to stay informed:

• Check the Gunnison County website for current fire restrictions in Gunnison and Crested Butte to see if a fire ban is in place.
• Get more information about Gunnison County fire information on the Gunnison County website.
• If you’re planning to recreate in Gunnison National Forest, check Gunnison National Forest campfire restrictions.
• See statewide fires on this Colorado wildfire and smoke map.

If campfires are prohibited, there are a few alternatives. Portable propane fire pits, propane stoves, and charcoal grills are allowed during Stage 1 fire restrictions for cooking and heat. Camp stoves, grills, and lanterns that use pressurized liquid and have a shut-off valve are allowed during Stage 2 restrictions. String lights, electric lanterns, flashlights, and headlamps can provide ambiance and light in any level of restriction. Reference these fact sheets from Gunnison County for more information about what types of fires are allowed in Stage 1 and Stage 2 restrictions.

Campfires are only allowed in approved fire rings. Approved fire rings are permanent, metal, or concrete structures in established campgrounds and picnic areas. Our camping guide has information about which campsites have metal fire rings.

Fires are allowed when dispersed camping if there is an existing fire ring. It is illegal to create a new fire ring.

Do not burn pressure-treated/painted wood, human or animal waste, plastic, glass, aluminum, wet or green wood, accelerants, food wrappers, aerosol cans, or poisonous plants. Burning these items is harmful to the environment as well as your health. Dry, seasoned wood and kindling should be the only things in your campfire.

Completely extinguishing your campfire is one of the best ways to practice campfire safety in the Gunnison Valley. The preferred method for putting a fire out is to drown it with water, stir the ashes and drown it again. The general rule of thumb is that if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. If you can’t put it out with water, let it burn down to ash and spread the ashes and coals out with a shovel. Layer dirt on thick and stir it into the ashes. Repeat this process until the fire is cool to the touch. 

Q: Can I have a fire while dispersed camping?
A: Fires are allowed while dispersed camping if there are no fire bans and a permanent fire ring is in place.

Q: What’s the safest way to put out a fire?
A: Douse it with water, stir the coals, douse it again and make sure it’s cold to the touch.

Q: Are propane fire pits allowed?
A: Usually, even during certain types of restrictions. Always check current fire restrictions with Gunnison County first, though.

Q: Can I collect firewood for a campfire?
A: Yes, you are allowed to collect firewood while camping in Gunnison County. Please only collect wood from standing dead or naturally fallen trees.

Q: Can I bring firewood with me?
A: Bringing firewood from outside the area is not recommended. This can spread invasive and dangerous species. Plan to gather or buy firewood locally. City Market, Safeway, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware and gas stations sell firewood in Gunnison and Crested Butte.

Q: Can I use the fire pit at my vacation rental during a fire ban?
A: Firepits on private property are allowed during stage 1 restrictions. This is not allowed during stage 2 or stage 3 restrictions.