Fire Restriction Questions for the MCSO
What is agricultural open burning?
Agricultural Open Burning is allowed year-round through a permit issued by Mesa County Public Health department.
During Stage 1 fire restrictions:
- Agricultural burn permits are issued through the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office after an on-site safety inspection.
- Learn more by visiting our Fire Restrictions page.
Where can I find the current fire restrictions?
Visit our Mesa County Interactive Fire Restrictions Map to view the current fire restrictions for:
- All of Mesa County
- Federal public lands
- Surrounding counties
You can visit the Interactive Fire Restrictions Map website on your mobile device to see what the current restrictions are based on your GPS location.
What are Stage 1 fire restrictions?
The Sheriff enacts fire restrictions due to high fire danger.
Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria:
- Moisture content of vegetation
- Weather outlooks
- Human risk factors
- Firefighting resource availability
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit:
- Personal use of fireworks
- Campfires outside of designated fire pits or fire rings
- Residential open burning
- Agricultural open burning without a Sheriff’s issued burn permit
- Use of explosive targets
- Smoking outside near combustible materials
Learn more by visiting our Mesa County Interactive Fire Restrictions Map to view the current fire restrictions for:
- All of Mesa County
- Federal public lands
- Surrounding counties
Visit our Fire Restrictions page to learn more about Stage 1 fire restrictions.
What is a "No burn advisory"?
- Mesa County Public Health may issue a "no burn advisory" during Open Burn season due to unsafe burning conditions.
- Learn more by visiting the Open Burn page on the Mesa County Health Department's website.
When is Open Burn Season?
Depends where you live in Mesa County.
Latest Open Burning guidelines and permit information.
Visit the Open Burn page on the Mesa County Health Department's website.
Do I need a permit for open burning?
Yes.
If the Sheriff enacts fire restrictions due to unsafe burning conditions.
- Agricultural burning will ONLY be allowed through a permitting process at the Sheriff’s Office.
- The process includes an on-site safety visit BEFORE a permit is issued.
Fire Restrictions - Agriculture Burn Permit Application (Revised 2021)
If there are NO fire restrictions, during open burn season Mesa County Public Health issues a permit for open burning.
- Agricultural
- Residential
Latest open burning guidelines and permit information
Visit the Open Burn page on the Mesa County Health Department's website.
What is the penalty for causing a fire during Stage 1 fire restrictions?
It is your responsibility to know what the current fire restrictions are.
Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony.
- Fines up to $100,000
- Imprisonment up to 18 months
- Other possible charges include
- Fourth Degree Arson (M2)
- Intentionally Setting a Wildfire (F3)
- You may also be held financially responsible for the damage caused.
Can I burn trash?
No.
- Burning trash is illegal in Mesa County.
- Burning in a barrel is PROHIBITED at all times.
Latest open burning guidelines and permit information
Visit the Open Burn page on the Mesa County Health Department's website.