Emergency Management
Stage I fire restrictions begin June 26
Garfield County, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Forest Service, and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions effective at midnight Thursday, June 26, 2025. This applies to all of Garfield County.
Garfield County enacts fireworks prohibition
Dry conditions necessitate extra precautions leading up to Independence Day
Garfield County has passed an ordinance prohibiting the use, sale, and possession of fireworks in unincorporated areas. Garfield County Emergency Manager Chris Bornholdt told the Board of County Commissioners that local conditions and future predictions indicate an extreme fire danger in the area.
The ordinance notes that sagebrush fuel moisture “is at or below 100 percent, a near record low. Measurements taken in the county indicate Pinyon pine and juniper fuel moisture is 72 percent (significantly below normal moisture content percentages). Fuel moisture percentages are expected to further decrease in the next two weeks, creating high fire danger.”
Monsoons in western Colorado
Be prepared for wildfire
When wildfires ignite, they may spread quickly, leaving people with very little time to grab necessities, secure pets or livestock, and evacuate. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers tips on how to prepare for wildfire, and protect yourself if a fire ignites near your home. Wildfire preparednessEmergency Operations Center
Bornholdt named Emergency Manager of the Year
Garfield County Emergency Manager Chris Bornholdt has been named the 2021 Emergency Manager of the Year in Colorado. He earned the prestigious Colorado Emergency Managers Association President’s Award for his leadership and dedication to protecting the community. Bornholdt honoredRecovering from a disaster
Developing a recovery plan for recovering from a disaster can not only be prudent prior to a disaster, but also to begin rebuilding following a disaster. The Federal Trade Commission has consumer information and tips to keep in mind for citizens working to rebuild following a disaster. Recovery tips
Continuity of Operations
The Garfield County Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) outlines the manner in which the community’s public safety and essential needs are met in the event of an emergency. This framework helps reduce risk, and increase the county’s resiliency, ensuring the best possible service to the public. COOP
Road regulations
Semis and other oversized commercial vehicles are barred from traveling over roads that lead to Cottonwood Pass, and in the Four Mile area near Glenwood Springs. New signage is in place alerting drivers to these restrictions. Garfield County road restrictions Eagle County road restrictions
Garfield County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
Garfield County has adopted a new Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan that prioritizes natural disaster risks and focuses on ways to prevent loss of life and destruction of private property. Hazard Mitigation Plan
Garfield County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Adopted December 3, 2012