Fire Information

STAGE I RESTRICTIONS

Stage I restrictions are designed to reduce the likelihood of human-caused fires while still allowing for certain recreational and residential activities under strict safety guidelines.

– PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

The following activities are strictly prohibited while Stage I restrictions are in effect:

• NOT ALLOWED: Open Burning All general open burning is banned. Any previously issued open burn permits are hereby revoked.
  
  • Open Burning is prohibited during Red Flag Warnings, with or without fire restrictions in place.
• NOT ALLOWED: Fireworks The sale and use of fireworks are prohibited.
• NOT ALLOWED: Model Rockets The launching of model rockets is prohibited.
• NOT ALLOWED: Explosives Use of explosive targets or any other outdoor pyrotechnics is prohibited.

– ALLOWED WITH RESTRICTIONS

The following activities are allowed ONLY if the specific safety requirements are met:

1. Campfires & Cooking: Developed Campgrounds, Developed Picnic Areas, Private Residences:
   
   • Campfires and fires are permitted only within permanently constructed fire grates in areas cleared at least 3’ of all flammable materials. (Rock fire rings are considered temporary); or
   • Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fire pits or appliances; liquid propane (LPG), or natural gas; cleared at least 3 feet of all flammable materials, with flames lengths not exceeding 2 feet.
   • Charcoal grills, pellet stoves, chimineas or other fixed fireplaces and appliances that are fueled with clean solid materials such as clean wood or pellets.
   • Fireplaces or wood burning stoves located within a building.
2. Outdoor Smoking
   
   • Smoking is permitted only within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
3. Outdoor Welding & Torch Operations
   
   • Welding or operating an acetylene (or similar) torch with an open flame is allowed only if performed in an area cleared of all vegetation and flammable materials.

STAGE II RESTRICTIONS

In the interest of public health and safety, Stage II restrictions are designed to reduce the likelihood of human-caused fires during times of continued high fire danger.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

To minimize the risk of accidental ignition, the following activities are prohibited:

• NOT ALLOWED: Open Burning & Fires
  All open fire and open burning are prohibited except as specifically exempted (See allowed with restrictions below).
• NOT ALLOWED: Outdoor Smoking
  Outdoor smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• NOT ALLOWED: Fireworks
  The sale or use of fireworks is prohibited during Stage II Fire Restrictions. Legal Exception: During the period of May 31 through July 5, Colorado law requires the Board of County Commissioners to adopt a resolution before this prohibition can be enforced.
• NOT ALLOWED: Explosives
  The use of explosives is prohibited.
• NOT ALLOWED: Open Burning Permits
  Open Burning Permits are invalid during Stage II Fire Restrictions.

ALLOWED WITH RESTRICTIONS

Indoor Fireplaces & Wood-Burning Stoves

Permitted only when:

• Located within a building.

Liquid-Fueled or Gas-Fueled Stoves, Fire Pits & Appliances

Permitted only when all of the following conditions are met:

• Located within a developed campground, developed picnic ground, or at a private residence.
• Fueled by liquid fuel, liquid propane (LPG), or natural gas.
• The area is cleared at least 3 feet of all flammable materials.
• Flame lengths do not exceed 2 feet.
• The flame can be completely extinguished by activation of a switch, valve, and/or tip-over safety switch.

Outdoor Welding & Open-Flame Torch Operations

Permitted only when all of the following conditions are met:

• Work is performed in an area at least 30 feet in diameter that is clear of flammable vegetation.
• A fire watch is established.
• A fire extinguisher or water supply is immediately available.
• Any applicable fire protection district requirements are followed.

Irrigation Ditch Burning

Permitted only when all of the following conditions are met:

• The ditch is located within and completely surrounded by irrigated farmland.
• Burning is necessary for crop survival.
• Prior permission has been obtained from the Sheriff through the Deputy Fire Warden.