Montezuma County Search and Rescue

05/31/2026

🚫 FIRE BAN IN EFFECT 🚫

Effective as of 6:00 a.m. today, May 28, 2026, a fire ban is now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Montezuma County, Colorado, pursuant to Montezuma County Resolution No. 2-2026.

Until further notice:
🔥 Open fires are prohibited
🎆 Fireworks are prohibited

Violating the fire ban may result in a summons, mandatory court appearance, and fines of up to $1,000.

Current dry conditions and elevated fire danger make it critical that everyone does their part to help prevent wildfires and protect our communities, public lands, homes, and first responders.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and commitment to keeping Montezuma County safe.

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

A huge thank you to the dedicated members of the Montezuma County Search & Rescue team, Mancos Fire Department, and Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office who responded to this recent mission.

These volunteers give countless hours training, preparing, and serving our community—often in difficult conditions and at all hours of the day and night. Their commitment, professionalism, and willingness to help others make a tremendous difference when people need it most.

Thank you for all you do!

05/26/2026

A huge thank you to the dedicated members of the Montezuma County Search & Rescue team, Mancos Fire Department, and Montezuma County Sheriff's Office who responded to this recent mission.

These volunteers give countless hours training, preparing, and serving our community—often in difficult conditions and at all hours of the day and night. Their commitment, professionalism, and willingness to help others make a tremendous difference when people need it most.

Thank you for all you do!

05/21/2026

FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FRIDAY, MAY 22

Full order with high resolution maps: https://tinyurl.com/2a8je4zt

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the San Juan National Forest PROHIBIT:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes), except if it is in:
- A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
- A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
- A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.

2. Using an explosive.

3. Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site.

4. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.

Full news release: https://tinyurl.com/y9xabaje

La Plata County Government Montezuma County Sheriff's Office Durango Fire & Rescue San Juan County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Office of Emergency Management, San Juan County Colorado Archuleta County, CO Sheriff's Office Archuleta County The Original What's Up? Dolores, Mancos, Cortez! Visit Durango Town of Dolores Dolores County Sheriff's Office Dolores Outfitters Dolores Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

05/03/2026

At 7:30 one October morning, Western Mountain Rescue Team (WMRT) received a call about a hunter who had injured his leg when he fell crossing a stream.  He was in a steep-walled valley at the intersection of the Beaver Creek trail and the Little Mill Creek trail and could not walk.  The team had r...

04/26/2026

04/19/2026

This weekend, 10 of our team members got certified in Wilderness First Aid! ⛑️

They practiced patient assessments, learned about managing injuries and illnesses in wilderness settings, and practiced their teamwork and communication skills to effectively manage multi-patient scenarios.

While we hope you never need us, our team is ready!

04/18/2026

🔥 Prescribed Burn Notice – Boggy Draw Area 🔥

The San Juan National Forest Dolores Ranger District is planning a prescribed burn in the Boggy Draw area off FS Road 527 (Boggy Loop Road), approximately 5 miles northeast of the Town of Dolores, beginning Sunday, April 19th.

Crews will be burning Units 25A–C, totaling approximately 1,212 acres, using both aerial and hand ignitions. See the attached map. Burning operations are expected to be completed over 1–2 days, depending on favorable weather conditions and smoke limitations.

🚨 Important Reminder:
Please do not call dispatch to report smoke in this area. Dispatch has been notified and is aware of the planned burn.

Smoke may be visible throughout the area, thank you for your understanding as Forest Service crews work to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health.

04/03/2026

By Bruce Beckmann, CSAR deputy chief state coordinator and Alpine Rescue Team member. Cover photo by Jan Rasmussen. “Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.” ― Ed Viesturs In September of 2013, Mark Stice of Arvada was reported overdue by his wife after failing to return fr...