On Tuesday, June 15, the Board of County Commissioners passed a Fire/Open Burning Restriction for Douglas County.  The ordinance prohibits all open fires, and includes the sale and use of all fireworks.

Despite the recent rainy weather in the state of Colorado, the ban will remain in effect until further notice, according to the Douglas County Department of Emergency Services.

The restrictions were enacted to protect public health, safety, and welfare, and were based on predicted weather conditions and the potential for forest/grass fires.

The current restriction is considered a “Stage 1” fire ban.  A Stage 1 ban allows for professional fireworks displays, fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings, charcoal grill fires within developed residential or commercial areas, and fires within wood burning stoves.   Small recreational fires at developed picnic or campground sites contained in permanent fire pits or fire grates are also permitted (with certain restrictions).

If the County “ups” the ban to a “Stage 2,” more restrictions will be imposed, including a ban on the use of charcoal grills, fires in chimneys, portable fireplaces, and patio fire pits.  Campfires at developed campgrounds or picnic areas could also be prohibited.  If this type of ban is enacted, residents will be notified.

Violation of these fire restrictions (Stage 1 or Stage 2) is a Class-2 Petty Offense, punishable by up to a $600.00 fine and a $22.00 surcharge.

All inquires about the ordinance should be directed to the Douglas County Department of Emergency Services at 303-660-7589.

The Pike National Forest may have restrictions on some activities.  For updated fire restriction information within the Pike National Forest, visit this link (http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/), or call the South Platte Ranger District at 303-275-5610. 

Additional information for other counties in Colorado is available from the Colorado State Office of Emergency Management’s web site at
http://www.dola.state.co.us/oem/PublicInformation/firebans/firebans2004.htm