Grand Junction Fire Department

09/04/2026

** Fire Restrictions to Reduce to Stage 1 Restrictions Friday, September 4, 2026 **

The Mesa County Sheriff, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office, Colorado National Monument, and the Fire Chiefs representing municipalities and fire protection districts of Mesa County will reduce all Fire Restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2026. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions restrictions apply to all private land and BLM managed public lands within the boundaries of the Grand Junction Field Office, which includes Mesa County. The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests rescinded all Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as of September 3, 2026. For information on Fire Restrictions on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, please visit the USDA Forest Service website.

Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria, including the moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, and human risk factors. Please review the information below for prohibited actions and activities while in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions prohibit:
- Personal use of fireworks
- Campfires outside of designated fire pits or fire rings
- Agricultural open burning without a Sheriff’s issued burn permit
- Use of explosive targets
- Smoking outside near combustible materials
- Operating or using any internal combustion engine, such as chainsaws, without a spark-arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
- Welding or operating Acetylene or other torches with an open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter, you MUST have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.

Despite recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, sustained dry conditions and high temperatures prior have led to chronically dry conditions. A single spark still has the potential to cause a dangerous fire and spread quickly. In addition to adhering to fire restrictions, community members are asked to be aware of all other potential fire dangers when outdoors. A spark from a dragging chain on a trailer or even a hot exhaust pipe from a car parked in tall grass poses a significant fire risk. Ci******es must be disposed of in proper receptacles and campfires must never be left unattended.

An interactive fire restrictions map is available on the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office website.

The Mesa County Sheriff, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office, Colorado National Monument, and the Fire Chiefs representing municipalities and fire protection districts of Mesa County will reduce all Fire Restrictions...

08/28/2026

🔥 Fall Burn Season Delayed

Mesa County Public Health has announced that the start of the fall burn season will be delayed due to ongoing fire restrictions and unsafe weather conditions.

The Grand Junction Fire Department is sharing this information to help keep our community informed. According to Mesa County Public Health, updates will be provided through their website and social media when conditions allow the burn season to begin and permits become available.

For the latest information from Mesa County Public Health, visit: bit.ly/burn-season-delay

We are delaying the start of the fall burn season due to ongoing fire restrictions and unsafe weather conditions.

We’ll share updates through our website and social media when it is safe to begin burning or obtain a permit.

Learn more on our website. bit.ly/burn-season-delay

08/18/2026

🔥 A Hidden Fire Hazard Could Be Overhead 🔥

When we think about fire hazards in our homes, bathroom exhaust fans probably aren't at the top of the list. But this is another often-overlooked fire risk that firefighters encounter.

Bathroom exhaust fans help remove moisture and odors, but over time they can collect dust, lint, and debris. That buildup can restrict airflow and contribute to the fan motor overheating, potentially resulting in a fire.

The Grand Junction Fire Department encourages you to add your bathroom exhaust fans to your home fire-safety routine:

🔹 Clean the fan regularly. Turn off the power and remove accumulated dust and lint from the cover and accessible areas.

🔹 Pay attention to warning signs. Grinding, rattling, unusual noises, a burning smell, or a fan that runs slowly could indicate a problem.

🔹 Don't let it run unnecessarily. Turn the fan off when it's no longer needed, and avoid leaving older fans running unattended for extended periods.

🔹 Check older fans. Aging or malfunctioning exhaust fans may need to be replaced by a qualified professional.

🔹 Make sure your smoke alarms work. Test them regularly and replace alarms according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Fire hazards aren't always obvious. A little routine maintenance can help keep an overlooked risk from becoming a serious fire.

Clean it. Check it. Turn it off. Stay fire safe, Grand Junction! 🚒

08/17/2026

🔥 Swamp Cooler Fires Are Rare—But They Can Happen
At 1:18 p.m., the Grand Junction Fire Department responded to a report of a possible structure fire on the 640 block of Meadow Court. The resident called 9-1-1 after a smoke alarm activated and visible smoke was coming from the swamp cooler. After checking the roof and attic, fire crews determined that the smoke was limited to the swamp cooler and had not spread to the home.
Swamp coolers are a summertime staple in Western Colorado, and while fires involving them are uncommon, electrical or mechanical problems can create a fire risk—especially when a unit is older or hasn't been properly maintained.
A little preventive maintenance can go a long way. Before and throughout the cooling season:
🔧 Have the motor, pump, wiring, belts, and electrical connections checked
💧 Replace worn or dried-out cooling pads as needed
🧹 Keep the unit clean and free of debris
⚡ Pay attention to tripped breakers, unusual noises, burning smells, or overheating

If your swamp cooler starts smelling like it's burning, smoking, or repeatedly tripping a breaker, turn it off and have it inspected before using it again.
Regular maintenance doesn't just help your swamp cooler run more efficiently—it can help you catch potential problems before they become dangerous.
Stay cool. Stay safe. Keep your swamp cooler maintained. ☀️🏠

08/07/2026

Our Station 6 Open House will be open till 6:00 PM. We’re having a great time sharing fire safety information, providing car seat inspections and meeting the community we serve. Come on down! Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control City of Grand Junction

08/07/2026

🚒 Today is the Day! 🚒

Join us TODAY from 3:00–6:00 p.m. for the Grand Junction Fire Department Station 6 Open House!

📍 Station 6 | 731 27 Road

Planning your visit? Check out the map for parking locations and event details so you know where to go when you arrive!

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of FREE activities, hands-on safety education, and a chance to meet your local firefighters.

🔥 Tour Station 6
🚒 Explore fire engines and specialized emergency equipment
🏠 Experience the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s Fire Safety Trailer
👶 Get a FREE child car seat inspection from certified technicians with Hilltop’s B4 Babies & Beyond and Car Seat Safety programs
🧯 Learn important fire prevention and life safety tips
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Enjoy activities for the whole family

Admission is FREE, and all ages are welcome!

We can’t wait to see you TODAY from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at Station 6!