Fire restrictions lifted on private lands in Mesa County effective Sept. 18, 2026

The Mesa County Sheriff, in coordination with the county’s fire chiefs, lifted current fire restrictions for all private lands within Mesa County effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 18, 2026. Improved conditions from seasonal monsoonal rain prompted the change, but the county remains in extreme to severe drought; residents are urged to remain cautious, follow fire-prevention guidance (never leave fires unattended, fully extinguish campfires, never burn trash, use safe targets when shooting, properly dispose of smoking materials, check trailers for dragging metal), and check Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service websites for restrictions on federal lands. Fire managers will continue to monitor conditions and may reinstate restrictions if needed; homeowners are encouraged to create defensible space and update emergency kits (see www.ready.gov/wildfires).