The U.S. Forest Service has implemented Stage 3 fire restrictions only once in Colorado. These restrictions involve a full closure of national forests or public lands to all public entry.

Currently, Colorado mountain communities are under Stage 2 fire restrictions due to historic drought and extreme wildfire danger. The Forest Service may consider Stage 3 restrictions if Stage 2 is deemed inadequate or if there are compliance issues.

Further information on Stage 3 fire restrictions is available, including the circumstances under which they might be implemented in the White River National Forest, which is the most visited forest in the country.