Montezuma County Postpones Fire Ban Decision

Sheriff cites recent moisture and possible rain as reasons to give residents more time to mitigate properties.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:33pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a dry, dusty plain under a heavy, ominous sky, with a lone, gnarled tree standing solitary against the elements, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.As drought conditions persist, Montezuma County officials carefully weigh the need for fire restrictions against providing residents time to prepare their properties.Cortez Today

Montezuma County Sheriff Steven Nowlin has decided not to suggest a countywide fire ban yet, saying recent moisture and weather conditions warrant giving residents more time to mitigate their properties by safely burning piles. The Board of County Commissioners also intends to postpone a decision on a fire ban for about a week to allow for more time for residents to prepare.

Why it matters

Montezuma County is closely monitoring drought conditions and wildfire risks, with officials warning that the region may face an active fire season with limited firefighting resources. The decision to postpone a fire ban is aimed at balancing public safety with providing residents adequate time to take preventative measures around their properties.

The details

Sheriff Nowlin consulted with fire officials and federal land managers, who are also not considering any restrictions at this time. Residents are still required to call Cortez Dispatch to report prescribed burns and check for high-wind advisories or red flag warnings. County commissioners, the sheriff, and the emergency manager have said a fire ban is under close consideration as drought conditions worsen, and they have been focused on outreach efforts to make residents aware of wildfire risks and preparedness.

  • On Monday, the Board of County Commissioners discussed postponing a decision on a fire ban for 'another week or so'.
  • Over the weekend, the Dolores Fire Protection District responded to a small fire near Forest Service Road 527 that spread slightly before being contained, demonstrating how quickly conditions can change.

The players

Steven Nowlin

The Montezuma County Sheriff who decided not to suggest a countywide fire ban yet, citing recent moisture and weather conditions.

Jim Candelaria

A Montezuma County Commissioner who estimated the county will postpone a decision on a fire ban 'another week or so' after some recent rain.

Jim Spratlen

The Montezuma County Emergency Manager who has said a fire ban is under close consideration as drought conditions worsen.

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What they’re saying

“We have had some recent moisture and some might be coming in. Both the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are not considering any restrictions right now either.”

— Steven Nowlin, Montezuma County Sheriff

“There's still time to mitigate, so plan ahead and do your controlled burns.”

— Steven Nowlin, Montezuma County Sheriff

“The spring green-up is beneficial in the short term.”

— Steven Nowlin, Montezuma County Sheriff

What’s next

The Montezuma County Commissioners will revisit the decision on a fire ban in about a week, after monitoring weather and fuel conditions.

The takeaway

Montezuma County is taking a cautious approach to implementing a fire ban, balancing public safety concerns with providing residents time to prepare their properties. The decision highlights the complex considerations local officials must weigh when managing wildfire risks in drought-prone areas.