Per Park County Website.
http://parkco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=48
The danger of wildfires in Park County is very high, with as many as a half-dozen human-caused wildfires breaking out per week in the latter part of March.
This has proven to be an especially dry winter for nearly all of Park County. While the snowpack has been strong on the mountain peaks, with the snow on Hoosier Pass measuring 113% of average, much of Park County has received only 50% of the average annual snowfall. One gauge near Rough and Ready Creek at 10,360 feet above sea level on the west side of the County measures snow at only 36 % of average - a level more commonly seen in September in that location.
This lack of moisture creates extremely dry grasslands and forests. In addition, the recent low humidity, high winds and other atmospheric conditions result in ripe conditions for quick ignition and potentially fast spreading fires, often triggering a Red Flag Warning. Under a Red Flag Warning, all fire districts ban open burning.
Though there is no countywide ban in effect as of this date, all individual fire districts in the county have issued burn bans within their districts. Also as of this date there are no fire restrictions on any of the public lands in Park County, and when put into effect, restrictions will vary with the managing entity, such as the Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management
To find out what the situation is in your part of the county contact your local fire district:
Elk Creek Fire Protection District: 303 816-9385
Platte Canyon Fire Protection District: 303 838-5853
Jefferson-Como Fire Protection District: 719 836-2605
North-West Fire Protection District (Fairplay area): 719 836-3150
Hartsel Fire Protection District: 719 836-3500
Lake George Fire Protection District: 719 748-3022
Southern Park County Fire Protection District (Guffey area): 719 689-9479
Public Lands Contacts:
South Park Ranger District: 719 836-2031
South Platte Ranger District: 303 275-5610
BLM Royal Gorge Field Office: 719-269-8500
Fire ban information can also be accessed on the
Park County Government Website
Be sure your property can be accessed and defended by your fire fighters! Follow the recommendations at
Firewise Communities
Park County is beautiful and fun place to live, work and play, but one careless act can change it for a lifetime. Be wise, take care to prevent wildfires.
