Burn Bans

Looks like it is time to collect these again, so this is a start:

Jefferson County Temporary Fire Ban

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News Release
Larimer County Adopts Fire Restrictions on Open Fires
Department: Board of County Commissioners
Release Date: Apr 5, 2011
Contact Information:
FROM: Deni La Rue, Community Information Manager, (970) 498-7150,
CONTACT: Frank Lancaster, Larimer County Manager, (970) 498-7004),

The Board of Larimer County Commissioners today adopted fire restrictions on Open Fires and Fireworks beginning immediately and continuing through May 5, 2011. Today’s restrictions are based on a recommendation from Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith who says it is unusual to put these restrictions in place this early in the year, “We are waiting for moisture and for spring greening to occur. Meanwhile we will continue to monitor moisture content and make new recommendations when appropriate.”
Open fires and fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Larimer County. Contained open fires are not restricted at this time. Because ‘contained open fires’ are okay, this is not a ban, but restrictions.
Today’s restrictions mean that no open fires are allowed, no open camp or cooking fires, only “contained’ open fires such as those in camp stoves and grills using gas or pressurized liquid or those in permanently constructed, stationary, metal or masonry fireplaces such as those fireplaces located in campgrounds and masonry or metal fire pits.
- Smoking in the open is not allowed under these restrictions.
- Contained open fires rules also call for operating combustion engines with spark arresting devices, properly installed and in working order.
- An exception to the Open Fires rules is that citizens who live in unincorporated areas of Larimer County can operate a charcoal grill on a non-combustible surface at least ten feet in diameter at their private residence .
- No fireworks or fireworks sales are allowed under these restrictions.
- No agricultural burning is allowed under these restrictions.
- No open campfires are allowed under these restrictions.
Any person who knowingly violates the restrictions commits a class 2 petty offense and can be fined. The County’s complete ‘fire ordinance’ is available at: http://www.larimer.org/policies/ .

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New additional information on restrictions: Arapahoe Roosevelt Forest has joined in:
Fire Restrictions in Place on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Fort Collins, Colo. (April 5, 2011) – In conjunction with multiple Front Range counties, Forest Supervisor Glenn Casamassa today signed an order that prohibits the following actions on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Park counties.
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except within a developed recreation site. The use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices, providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety, is allowed.
Using an explosive (e.g.fireworks).
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway; and except for parking overnight in Forest Service developed campgrounds and trailheads.
Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine (e.g. chainsaw) without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
This action was taken because of the dry conditions that have led to a major wildfire northwest of Masonville, Colo., and to support fire prohibitions put in place by elected officials in the counties covered by the order.
For more information, contact your local ranger district office or visit the web at http://www.fs.usda.gov/arp .

Additional information:

Wildfire Danger in Park County-Special Statement

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Douglas County Commissioners and Sheriff David Weaver Approve Stage 2 Fire Restrictions
March 29th, 2011
On March 29, 2011 the Douglas County Board of Commissioners Reinstated Ordinance No. O-003-001, an Ordinance restricting open fires and open burning in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County including the National Forest.
By Order of Sheriff David A. Weaver Stage 2 Fire Restrictions shall be in place until further Executive Order of the Sheriff or formal action by the Board of County Commissioners.
Prohibited Activities:
Open burning of any kind.
Use and sale of fireworks.
Use of charcoal grills and fires in chimneys, other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits.
Campfires at developed campgrounds or picnic areas.
Allowable Activities:
Cooking on gas or liquid fueled stoves or grills.
Violation of these fire restrictions is a Class-2 Petty Offense, punishable by up to a $600.00 fine and a $22.00 surcharge.
Additional information on fire restriction stages can be located at http://www.dcsheriff.net/emergencymanag ... tions.html

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Teller County Stage I burn ban

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And more information:

A fire ban is in effect for areas within Boulder County beginning at 9 a.m. on April 4
Boulder County, Colo. – Sheriff Joe Pelle has modified the ban on open burning and the discharge of fireworks in unincorporated Boulder County. Burning will be allowed in the eastern portions of the county, in areas east of North Foothills Highway (U.S. 36), and South Foothills Highway (Highway 93), effective at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 4.
The fire ban is still in effect for the areas between the Foothills Highway (north and south of the city of Boulder) and west to the Peak to Peak Highway (Highway 72).
The fire ban has been modified because the recent moisture will result in rapid greening of grasses and light fuels on the plains. In addition, forecasts call for higher relative humidity, predictions of more moisture to come this week, and less wind. Farmers and irrigation ditch companies need to burn ditches in order to bring irrigation water to fields.
The fire ban will remain in effect for the foothills and mountains because grasses and light fuels take significantly longer to turn green at higher altitudes. The Boulder County Sheriff's Office will monitor the situation daily and amend the order as needed.
Anyone burning an agricultural fire or slash pile on the plains still needs to call county dispatch at 303-441-4444 prior to burning (per county ordinance). Burning will still be prohibited on any “Red Flag” fire weather day.
The fire ban allows for liquid or gas fuel stoves and fireplaces in buildings. It bans all other open fires and the use of any kind of fireworks.
Anyone found in violation of the fire ban may be convicted of a class 2 petty offense and may be subject to a $500 fine. Higher fines may be imposed for subsequent offenses.
Information can be found on the Sheriff's Office home page. .

can you use a propane gas grill?. it does have a flame

As far as I know, a propane gas grill is OK...

Mechanical stoves and appliances fueled by bottled or liquid gas which allow the operator to control or extinguish the flame with a valve are permitted provided that such devices are approved by Underwriters Laboratory Inc.

but the best approach IMO is to contact your local fire department for specifics.

Thank You jf1acai for the post! THANK YOU! Amen! Finally! Yes. I think it is simple mechanics when it comes to the use of fire and the resources used and available in the forest. Neglect is the cause of destruction. These fire restrictions are placed for ALL of us! It does not matter if you live here or not! Speaking on behalf of everyone who enjoys and respects the forestry, please respect and follow ALL fire regulations (even if you think they are ridiculous).
I know many 285Bound members live here, but I hear of neglect by locals anyway. Do not underestimate a spark in the wind. Even a hot catalyst parked over dry grass can start a blaze. Windshield washer fluid is flammable. I'm not your mommy....just a reminder is all. Tell your friends. This fire ban is nothing new, yet is anything but funny. If I take anything seriously...this is it.

Hello! I thought it would be helpful to send this information regarding the fire ban in effect presently because we have a lot of Chamber members who are new to the area. I also included how to register your cell or VOIP phone to receive 911 E-Alerts.

For additional questions, please ask our local expert:
Elizabeth A. Woodward Fire Marshal
Elk Creek Fire Protection District
11993 South Blackfoot Road, Post Office Box 607
Conifer, Colorado 80433
Phone 303-816-9385
Fax 303-816-9376




To Register Your Cell or VOIP Phone to Receive 911 E-Alerts
Go To the Following Link on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Page
http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/sheriff/s ... 2_R191.htm

Temporary fire restrictions prohibit the following activities:

Building, maintaining, attending or using any fire or campfire, except a fire within a permanently constructed fire grate in a developed park, campground, or picnic area.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible
material.

Temporary fire bans prohibit the following activities:

1. Anything which produces an open flame or has the potential to create an uncontrolled fire.
2. Building, maintaining, attending, or using any fire to burn trash, debris, fencerows or vegetation, or any campfire or warming fire.
3. Use of charcoal or other open fires on any public or private lands.

4. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or while stopped in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.

5. Operating a chain saw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arresting device properly installed and in effective working order, and having a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than eight (8) ounces capacity by weight, and possessing one large size pointed shovel with an overall length of at least thirty-six (36) inches. The extinguisher shall be with the chain saw operator. The shovel may be kept with the fueling supplies, but readily available for quick use.

6. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame, except within an area that is barren or cleared of all combustible material at least ten feet on all sides from the equipment.

7. Use of an explosive initiation system requiring a burning fuse line.

8. Permissible fireworks, as defined by Colorado Revised Statutes, 12-28-101.

Per scanner, Park County is now under a Stage 1 fire ban.

Edited to add the text from Park County website :

Posted on: April 14, 2011
Park County is in a Stage I Fire Ban Until Further Notice
Stage I Fire ban is effective Thursday, April 14, 2011, until rescinded. The following acts are prohibited on all private property, public land, roads and trails described herein, until further notice:

Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except a fire within a permanent constructed fire grate in a developed campground.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Exemptions:

Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels.

Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Boulder County fire ban rescinded

Fire ban to be rescinded
Thursday, April 21, 2011


Sheriff Joe Pelle will rescind the fire ban for Boulder County on Friday, April 22 at 8 p.m.

The current wet weather has moved us closer to seasonal precipitation patterns and wildland fuel moisture averages.

Although this current moisture will make a difference lowering our wild fire severity and potential, our local grasses and light flashy fuels will dry out relatively quickly and pose the greatest threat to rapid fire spread. In addition, our typical Northern Colorado Front Range spring “Chinook wind” weather events are expected to continue over the next few weeks.

Caution is advised as folks resume using open flame fire for recreational purposes, agricultural maintenance and forest management. Please refrain from burning during windy conditions and have a readily available water supply.

As a reminder, Boulder County Ordinance 2009-1 requires that prior to implementing any open burning; you must notify Boulder County Communications at 303-441-4444. The dispatcher will inform you of any current restrictions and document the location of your open burning and request a contact number and planned time of ignition.



Detective Commander Rick Brough
Boulder County Sheriff's Office
303-441-3631

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