By Shannon Lukens.
Routt National Forest has joined Routt and Moffat counties with Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. This includes National Forest System lands in Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Grand, Jackson, and Garfield counties. Restrictions are necessary because of quickly drying fuel conditions, the hot forecast, and the danger of human-caused wildfires.
The following prohibitions are in effect until further notice:
- Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) except if it is in:
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
- Using an explosive.
- This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
- Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.
Personal, portable wood or charcoal burning fire pits/rings, often made of stainless steel, are not allowed under these restrictions. Campfires are only allowed in USDA approved and installed fire pits/grates, or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.
Always important for fire prevention and enforceable year-round is the following prohibition regarding spark arrester use:
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-1.
- For chainsaw use, it is recommended the operator have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
Violation of the Stage I Fire Prohibitions is punishable as a class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.
Courtesy photos
Twenty-six bales of hay caught on fire and burned north of Hayden at the Rocky Mountain Mini Broncs feed lot on Wednesday evening. Donnie Hayes is one of the owners with his daughter. He said were no injuries, to people or animals. West Routt Fire was able to get the fire out, and they were there before they got off the phone with dispatch.
A new program is being developed in Northwest Colorado called the Hope Initiative. HOPE stands for Helping Others through Peer Engagement. It is being coordinated with Yampa Valley Community Foundation and groups across the community.
- REPS, which is Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide
- Health Solutions West
- Warhorse Ranch
- Northwest Colorado Health
- Steamboat Springs School District
- The Health Partnership
- Steamboat Springs Police Department
- And concerned community members.
It is to help fill a gap in mental health resources in Routt County, with hopes it will expand to Moffat County. Here’s Traci Hiatt with Yampa Valley Community Foundation.
“There are still gaps. And that’s demonstrated by the fact that we had 19 suicides between Routt and Moffat County in 2024, and we’ve already had too many in 2025. So we got together and started to talk about, okay, let’s appreciate the resources we have, acknowledge those, and also start to talk about what are the gaps. What, what gaps can we fill and how can we fill them?”
The HOPE Initiative will have a team of highly-trained, certified peers who are on staff 24/7/365 to take live calls and help a person, whether they are having a crisis, or they need to know how to find resources in the community.
A $250,000 donation from an anonymous donor has been made to get the HOPE Initiative going.
If you would like to get involved, or would like to make a donation, reach out to Traci Hiatt at YVCF at traci@yvcf.org or call 970-879-8632.
- Video Message on the HOPE Initiative from SSPD Chief of Police Mark Beckett
- More on the Story — HOPE Initiative is forming to help fill gaps with mental health resources
- July 7, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Tips for Talking to Youth about a Tragedy
- More on the Story — SSPD Chief Beckett warns parents about E-Motorcycles and illegal drinking parties
- June 4, 2025 — Steamboat Police are concerned about incidents with Electric Motorbikes and Motorcycles
This weekend, starting tonight…
The Steamboat Springs Rodeo is tonight and tomorrow.
Perry-Mansfield has a special show called “Almost Maine,” tonight and Saturday. More information is at Perry-Mansfield.org/Events, or call 970-879-7125.
Saturday is the Steamboat Springs Farmers Market.
Art in the Park is Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13, in West Lincoln Park, with over 120 vendors and food trucks and activities.
The Strings Kitchen & Garden Tour is Saturday throughout the community.
The Annual Yampa River Clean-up Day is this Saturday, July 12. Meet at 9 a.m. at Little Toots Park if you can help. Register here
More on the Story — Here’s how you can help Clean Up the Yampa this week
Homemade Homegrown in Downtown Craig is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, July 12. are limited and can be purchased in advance at KS Kreations, 523 Yampa Ave. Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event.
Routt County Cattlewomen are hosting an All Women’s Ranch Rodeo up at The Home Ranch in Clark, at 3 p.m. Saturday. There is a live band and barn dance after the rodeo.
Movies on the Mountain is this Saturday night in Steamboat Square at the base of Steamboat Resort. Bring a chair and enjoy this week’s movie under the stars. It’s all free and fun for the whole family.
- July 12 – The Goofy Movie 9 p.m. start; 10:15 p.m. end
More on the Story — Movies on the Mountain at Steamboat Resort
The 3rd Annual High Altitude Car Show and Burnout Contest is on Main Street in Walden, Saturday, July 12. For more information, or to register, call 303-501-0976.
Sunday…
The Clark Community BBQ is from 4-5:30 p.m. this Sunday, July 13, at the Clark Store. It’s hosted by the 4H Elk River Wranglers. Adults are $10 and kids ages 6-12 are $5. Kids 5 and under are free.
Pup‑A‑Razzi Photo Shoot Fundraiser is from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, July 13, at Whistler Park, Steamboat Springs. Enjoy a 15‑minute session with professional photographers Danielle Zimmerer and Lee Cox, receive edited images, and see your pet featured in the 2026 Yampa Valley Pets Calendar. All proceeds support the Routt County Humane Society. Space is limited; book at https://routthumane.org/event/pup-a-razzi-2025/.
Check out what’s happening in the Yampa Valley on the Community Calendar on our website.