Range Closed — Fire & Shooting Restrictions in Effect
Link: Shooting Restrictions Link: Stage 2 Fire-Restrictions
Updated: 07/01/2026 @ 06:35 Local
Effective immediately and until further notice, the BCGC range is closed to all shooting — members, match participants, and the public alike.
The July 4th match has been moved to the Colorado Rifle Club in Byers. Contact Pete Jend for details. (contact us page)
This closure is the result of a U.S. Forest Service making a tough decision. The range sits on or within National Forest System land covered by a Stage 2 Fire Restriction order, and the Forest Service has declined to grant the club an exemption from the accompanying shooting closure given current conditions. We will reopen as soon as the Forest Service lifts the restrictions, and we will post updates on this page as they become available.
What's restricted
Two separate but related actions are in play:
- The Stage 2 Fire Restriction (Pike-San Isabel National Forests Order #02-12-00-26-20) took effect June 30, 2026 at 12:01 AM and runs through August 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM unless rescinded earlier. Under this order, the following are prohibited across the Described Area: building or using any fire, campfire, charcoal grill, or barbecue, except a liquid- or gas-fueled device with an on/off valve used on ground cleared of flammable material within three feet; smoking except inside an enclosed vehicle or building; welding or using an open-flame torch; using explosives; and operating a motor vehicle off Forest Service roads. Propane devices with a shut-off valve remain permitted, including in the adjacent camping areas, but open flame of any kind is not.
- A separate but directly related shooting closure order has been issued by the Forest Service. The range falls under this closure, which is why all shooting at BCGC is suspended. We will link the shooting order here once it is formally published.
Why the Forest Service made this decision
The Forest Service was direct and thorough in explaining its reasoning, and we want to pass that along in full so members understand this was a carefully weighed call rather than an arbitrary one.
The primary driver is firefighting capacity. Local fire resources are currently either committed to national assignments or actively fighting fires on the Pike National Forest. To maintain any coverage for a new ignition, the Forest Service is bringing in partner resources from outside the area. Both they and their partners are operating with significantly reduced local response capacity and are stretched thin.
The second major factor is weather. The Forest Service noted that granting an exemption for the match would effectively mean accepting those Red Flag conditions as well, and that the risk of something going wrong rises sharply when more than one danger threshold is crossed at the same time.
In their words, the decision was made carefully and was not taken lightly.
Penalties
This is an enforceable federal order. A violation of the Stage 2 prohibitions is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, up to six months imprisonment, or both. Additionally, compliance with this requirement is one of the most important stipulations of our permit.
Questions and updates
Please feel free to contact me directly or any of the Board Members about this matter. We will keep this page current as the situation develops and will announce reopening here and by email to membership as soon as the Forest Service rescinds or modifies the orders. Thank you for your patience and cooperation — these restrictions exist to protect the forest, the surrounding communities, and the firefighters working under already-difficult conditions.
For official information directly from the Forest Service, the Stage 2 order and area map are posted at fs.usda.gov/r02/psicc/alerts, or you can reach the Pike-San Isabel Supervisor's Office in Pueblo at (719) 553-1400.
Respectfully, Ryan Combs, BCGC
Archived Info Below:
Fire Restrictions & Range Operations Status
Range Operating Rules
- During Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: Range may remain open under BCGC’s authorized exemption.
- If a Red Flag Warning is issued for Zone COZ216: The range must be closed for the duration of the warning. The BCGC exemption does not apply during Red Flag Warning conditions.
Fire Restrictions and BCGC Exemption
The U.S. Forest Service has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions across the Pike National Forest, including the Camp Fickes Shooting Range area. Under applicable Forest Orders, activities such as recreational target shooting are generally prohibited on National Forest System lands. However, the Buffalo Creek Gun Club (BCGC) is authorized to continue operations within the designated range area under a U.S. Forest Service permit and associated exemption. This authorization is based on BCGC’s established fire prevention protocols, on-site fire suppression resources, trained personnel, and demonstrated stewardship of the property. This authorization applies only to the managed Camp Fickes range footprint. All surrounding National Forest lands remain fully subject to restrictions with no exemption.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions vs. Red Flag Warning
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are implemented by the U.S. Forest Service and reflect broader, longer-term fire conditions across the region. These restrictions establish general operating limitations across National Forest lands and remain in effect until formally modified or expire under the applicable Forest Order (currently set to expire on August 1, 2026).
Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service based on short-term, real-time weather conditions such as high winds and low humidity that significantly increase the risk of rapid fire ignition and spread. These warnings are immediate, dynamic, and based on current conditions—not longer-term policy restrictions.
Key Difference: Stage 1 restrictions define general operating conditions, while Red Flag Warnings reflect active, high-risk fire weather. Under the terms of BCGC’s U.S. Forest Service permit and exemption, the range is required to close during any Red Flag Warning affecting Zone COZ216. This requirement is mandatory and not subject to exception.
Operational Responsibility
Continued operation under this authorization requires strict adherence to all established fire safety protocols and immediate response procedures. All members, match directors, and visitors share responsibility for maintaining safe conditions at all times, including active monitoring of fire risk, proper use of suppression equipment, and immediate action in the event of smoke or fire.
If fire conditions escalate and a Stage 2 Fire Restriction is implemented, further coordination with the U.S. Forest Service will be required, and continued operations are not guaranteed.
Contact
For questions, contact Ryan Combs at president@bcgc.us, or visit our Contact us page to reach members of the Board of Directors or Match Directors.