Chaffee County Sheriff's Office

06/23/2026

Effective June 24th, 2026, at 6:00AM unincorporated Chaffee County will be moving to stage 2 fire restrictions. BLM and Federal Forest will remain in stage 1 fire restrictions for the time being. Stage 2 restrictions will also be in place for the municipalities of Buena Vista, Poncha Springs and Salida.

During stage 2 fire restrictions no open fire may be built, maintained or attended in Chaffee County. No campfires of any kind, even in permanent structures, are allowed. Also prohibited is using explosive material such as exploding targets, tracer rounds, fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device that may result in the ignition of flammable material. No smoking is allowed outdoors unless you are in an area at least twelve feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. No welding, grinding metal or operating an acetylene or similar torch with an open flame is allowed unless you are in an area of at least 20 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

LP gas or liquid-fueled barbecue stoves and appliances which allow the operator to turn the flame on and off are still allowed during stage 2 fire restrictions. The use of chainsaws is allowed if they have an adequate spark-arresting screen. Using a chainsaw during stage 2 also requires the operator to have with him or her a chemical-pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight and has readily available for use a size 0 or larger round pointed shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.

Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Deputies will be out in full force enforcing the restrictions in place. The deputies are being instructed to be firm with their enforcement efforts. Please call Chaffee County Dispatch at 719-539-2596 to report any violations.

“Stage 2 fire restrictions will be in place through the 4th of July weekend. I have instructed our deputies to have zero tolerance with violators using fireworks. The fine for such violation during stage 2 restrictions is $750.00. We encourage our community and visitors to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our independence but please do so responsibly. Let’s all work together to keep our county safe and beautiful!” -Sheriff Andy Rohrich (Chaffee County Fire Warden)

06/21/2026

Have a peaceful and restful day dads. You have earned it.

06/17/2026

We have received several calls about a suspicious white truck with yellow flashing lights driving around at late hours of the night. We have confirmation from Atmos Energy that this is a company they have contracted with and they are doing testing for leaks and will be driving slow and have flashing lights on the truck. Thank you for your concern and keeping our town safe!

06/17/2026

On Sunday, June 14th, 2026, the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an attempted arson west of Clear Creek Reservoir along County Road 390 in Chaffee County. The attempt was made on unposted private property heavily bordered by National Forest.

While performing routine patrol National Forest Service firefighters discovered multiple trees that had been burned in this area. The fire was no longer active. They then notified the Chaffee County Fire Department (because it was on private property) who reached out to our detective’s bureau to handle the investigation.

Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Detective’s responded to the area with other investigative resources. Based on the initial investigation it appeared that an unknown person(s) attempted to purposely start a forest fire. An accelerant (most likely gasoline) was used on and near two separate trees and that accelerant was possibly utilized to cause a burn to a third tree where a clear plastic beverage container was suspended from the limb of that third tree. Inside the beverage container was a large amount of accelerant. Fortunately, the fire had burned itself out before reaching the bottle of accelerant.

Detectives with the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office are actively investigating the incident with other law enforcement partners to identify a possible suspect. If you have any information concerning this investigation please call the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center, 719-539-2596, and ask to speak to a detective.

“We are asking the community and our visitors to please be vigilant while enjoying our back country. If you see suspicious activity/ person(s) please do your best to document license plates, pictures, etc. without placing yourself in danger and notify law enforcement. This is behavior we obviously have zero tolerance for and we will use all resources available to us to protect life and property. To whomever is responsible, rethink your motives and please consider all the innocence you are placing in danger.”
-Sheriff Andy Rohrich

06/16/2026

There will be no outdoor burning of any kind allowed in unincorporated Chaffee County Tuesday June 16th or Wednesday June 17th because of poor predicted fire weather.

06/16/2026

Very hot and dry air with strong, gusty winds will cause high fire danger for the area on Tuesday and Wednesday. The threat is mostly for Chaffee and Lake counties tomorrow. The threat expands into all of the mountainous areas and foothills for Wednesday. Do your part to minimize the start of wild fires this week.

06/16/2026

This party is known to also frequent Chaffee County.

On June 14, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Saguache County Dispatch Center received a report of an assault that occurred near the North Crestone Campground.

Law Enforcement advised Dispatch that a male party, later identified as Kris Roberts, had been involved in an assault involving a knife. Law enforcement and EMS responded to the area, and a search was conducted for Roberts.

Roberts is described as approximately 5’08” tall, 170 pounds, and is known to frequent the Crestone/Baca area.

If you see Kris Roberts, **do not attempt to contact or approach him**. Please contact the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office at 719-655-2544 or call 911.

This investigation is ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.

06/12/2026

US Forest Service and BLM have joined us now under stage 1 fire restrictions in Chaffee County. Please call in any violations you see to the Chaffee County Communications Center 719-539-2596. Thank You

06/12/2026

No burning please. Be safe!

Hot, dry, & windy conditions are expected again today and Sat, with a Red Flag Warning today over the Upper Arkansas & San Luis Valleys, as well as the Continental Divide & Fremont County. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect for Saturday for the Upper & Middle Arkansas River Valleys and Pueblo County.

06/12/2026

Women Veterans Recognition Day, celebrating the legacy of women who have served. Thank you to all who have served to protect this great nation. 🇺🇸