Jeffco: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now In Effect

Per Jeffco Sheriff's Office:
Fire Restrictions Implemented in Unincorporated JeffCo
Sheriff enacts restrictions in effort to prevent wildfires

Jefferson County, CO. – On July 10, 2016, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for all of unincorporated Jefferson County. These restrictions were enacted due to current conditions that are favorable for the possibility of a wildfire. Conditions will be monitored and restrictions will be adjusted as necessary.

The following activities are prohibited pursuant to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

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

NOTE: Private residential recreational campfires exempted as described above, are encouraged to contact their local fire agency and advise start and finish times to alleviate smoke check responses.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material. (2009 IFC 320.8).

Open burning including “bon fires” that require a permit from the fire authority having jurisdiction, will not be allowed during these restrictions. (2009 IFC 105.6.30).

The use of fireworks are prohibited within unincorporated Jefferson County.

NOTE: Burn permits issued and not executed prior to the effective date of these temporary fire restrictions shall not be authorized unless approved by the issuing agency on the day of execution.


Exemptions approved under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

Use of liquid or gas fueled appliances.

Approved wood pellet grills.

Charcoal barbeque grills at private residences or within a permanently constructed grate in a developed park, campground, or picnic area and not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area. (2009 IFC 308.1.6).

Portable outdoor fireplaces, Tiki torches, chimineas and fire pits at private residence or in a developed park, campground, or picnic area and not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area. (2009 IFC 307.4.3).

Welding and cutting torch appliances, as described above in the definition section, may only be operated in an area no closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area. (2009 IFC 308.1.6).

Recreational fires not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area. (2009 IFC 307.4.2).

Permitted fires by persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act such as professional fireworks displays.

Contact must be made with the permitting authority to verify the status of permits issued prior to the establishment of burn restrictions.

Fire department / district training fires.

Burning of explosive wastes by manufacturer of explosives in areas zoned for industrial use, when the burning is supervised by the fire protection district.

Open fires or open burning by any federal, state, or local officer in the performance of official fire suppression functions.

Individuals operating under any of the above exemptions shall take adequate measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Possible measures include, but are not limited to:

Containers of adequate water or dry soil nearby.
Shovels, fire extinguishers, or other extinguishing agents nearby.
Coordination with the local fire department or district to be on scene or standby during an activity.

Definitions:

Fireworks:
As defined in section 12-28-101(3) C.R.S, and shall specifically include “permissible fireworks” as defined in section 12-28-101(8) C.R.S.


Liquid or gas fueled appliances:
Appliances such as fire pits, grills and camp stoves that burn liquid or gaseous fuels and can be shut off. This does not include any device that burns solid fuels such as wood or charcoal and which must be extinguished.

Open fire and open burning:
Any outdoor fire larger than a recreational fire and not contained within a portable outdoor fireplace. This includes but is not limited to campfires, bonfires, warming fires, the lighting of any fused explosives, permissible fireworks, the use of model rockets, “sky lanterns”, and the burning of fence lines or rows, grass lands, fields, farm lands, ditches, range lands, and wild lands. Permits from the fire district are required for open fires.

Portable outdoor fireplace:
A commercially purchased portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other non-combustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening at the top. (chimineas) These devices must be operated according to the manufactures instructions with all covers, screens, spark arresters, and grates in place. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated within 30 feet of a structure or combustible material.

Recreational fire:
An outdoor fire burning material other than rubbish or debris where the fuel being burned is not contained in a portable outdoor fireplace, or barbeque grill and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure (Tiki torches), religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. This includes fires in barrels and drums; fixed, permanent outdoor fireplaces; and barbeque pit fires.

Undeveloped areas:
Lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined to be an undue wildland fire hazard.

Welding and cutting torch appliances:
Gas cylinder mixtures, electric and/or portable powered welders and cutting appliances which produce heat, flame, sparks, molten metal slag, etc.

Pursuant to County Policy Part 3, Chapter 6, Section 2, authorizing the Declaration of Open Fire Bans, violations of these prohibitions, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.00. Such act(s) violate section(s) 102.8 and/or 308.2.1 of the International Fire Code.

The City of Golden now has Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place, per Golden Fire Rescue .

Per Jeffco Sheriff's Office: Stage 2 Fire Ban Implemented in Unincorporated JeffCo
Sheriff enacts restrictions in effort to prevent wildfires

Jefferson County, CO. – On July 15, 2016, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader ordered a Stage 2 Temporary Fire Ban. This ban applies to all lands in unincorporated Jefferson County west of Highway 93, west of C470, west and south of the intersection of Wadsworth Blvd. and C470, to the Platte River.
The Fire Danger Rating in unincorporated Jefferson County is currently very high. The warmer and drier conditions that are expected to return this weekend are expected to elevate the rating even higher due to an increase in gusty winds forecasted for Sunday. In addition, the overall trend of hot and dry weather is expected to return and continue into next week.
Pursuant to the Annual Operating Plan regarding the implementation of Fire Restrictions and Fire Bans; and due to the continuing high fire danger condition within Jefferson County, The following activities are prohibited pursuant to Stage 2 fire ban:
Building, maintaining, attending or using any fire.

No recreational fires, including recreational campfires.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material. (2009 IFC 320.8)

Open Burning including “bon fires” that require a permit from the fire authority having jurisdiction, will not be allowed during this ban. (2009 IFC 105.6.30)

The USE of ALL fireworks, as defined below, are prohibited within Jefferson County.

Shooting tracer rounds or explosive type targets.

Operating a chain saw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arresting device properly installed and in proper working order, and having a extinguishing source, water, pressurized water extinguisher, or a proper chemical pressurized extinguisher, large enough to handle nearby hazards, and possessing at least one large size pointed shovel with an overall length of at least thirty-six inches. All must be readily available for quick use.

Welding and cutting torch appliances, as described above in the definition section, shall only be operated within an area that is barren or cleared of all combustible material at least 30 feet in all directions from the operating equipment. (2009 IFC 308.1.6) This operation may only be done during a declared “Fire Ban” upon receiving a permit from the Fire Authority having jurisdiction over the operating location. (2009 IFC 105.6.31)

Use of an explosive initiation system requiring a burning fuse line

Exemptions approved under this temporary Stage 2 Fire Ban:

Use of liquid or gas fueled appliances

Approved wood pellet grills

Permitted fires by persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act such as professional fireworks displays. Contact must be made with the permitting authority to verify the status of permits issued prior to the establishment of burn restrictions.

Fire Department / District training fires

Burning of explosive wastes by manufacturer of explosives in areas zoned for industrial use, when the burning is supervised by the fire protection district

Open fires or open burning by any federal, state, or local officer in the performance of official fire suppression functions

Individuals operating under any of the above exemptions shall take adequate measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Possible measures include, but are not limited to:
• Containers of adequate water or dry soil nearby.
• Shovels, fire extinguishers, or other extinguishing agents nearby.
• Coordination with the local fire department or district to be on scene or standby during an activity.

DEFINITIONS

• FIREWORKS: As defined in section 12-28-101(3) C.R.S, and shall specifically include “permissible fireworks” as defined in section 12-28-101(8) C.R.S.

• INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE (IFC): Latest adopted Fire Code within Jefferson County. Currently the 2009 edition.

• LIQUID OR GAS FUELED APPLIANCES: Appliances such as fire pits, grills, camp stoves, and Tiki torches that burn liquid or gaseous fuels and can be shut off. This does not include any device that burns solid fuels such as wood or charcoal and which must be extinguished.

• OPEN FIRE AND OPEN BURNING: Any outdoor fire larger than a recreational fire and not contained within a portable outdoor fireplace. This includes but is not limited to campfires, bonfires, warming fires, the lighting of any fused explosives, permissible fireworks, the use of model rockets, “sky lanterns”, and the burning of fence lines or rows, grass lands, fields, farm lands, ditches, range lands, and wild lands. Permits from the fire district are required for open fires.

• PORTABLE OUTDOOR FIREPLACE: A commercially purchased portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other non-combustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening at the top. These devices must be operated according to the manufactures instructions with all covers, screens, spark arresters, and grates in place. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated within 30 feet of a structure or combustible material.

• RECREATIONAL FIRE: An outdoor fire burning material other than rubbish or debris where the fuel being burned is not contained in a portable outdoor fireplace, or barbeque grill and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. This includes fires in barrels and drums; fixed, permanent outdoor fireplaces; and barbeque pit fires.
• UNDEVELOPED AREAS: Lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined to be an undue wildland fire hazard.

• WELDING AND CUTTING TORCH APPLIANCES: Gas cylinder mixtures, electric and/or portable powered welders and cutting appliances which produce heat, flame, sparks, molten metal slag, etc.

Pursuant to County Policy Part 3, Chapter 6, Section 2, authorizing the Declaration of Open Fire Bans, violations of these prohibitions, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.00. Such act(s) violate section(s) 102.8 and/or 308.2.1 of the International Fire Code.
This temporary Fire Ban becomes effective at 08:00 A.M. on July 15, 2016 and shall remain in effect until superseded or repealed.

What to know about the Stage 2 fire ban for Jeffco Open Space parks:

- No recreational fires – no allow fire allowed (no open flame, no wood or charcoal) of any kind in our parks including picnic areas or campgrounds.
- The safe placement of liquid or gas fueled appliances (gas grills and gas camp stoves that can be shut off) is allowed in designated areas such as picnic and camp sites.
- NO SMOKING , except within an enclosed vehicle or building or while stopped in an area at least 6 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.
- These regulations will be strictly enforced.

The natural fuels are drying out at this time of the summer. There are currently several fires in the state and some of them could have been prevented. When you visit parks keep this in mind and promote safety to others as well. Thank you for caring for our parks.

Per Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Yesterday at 10:05am ·

Fire Ban Lifted; Stage I Reinstated
Sheriff Eases Fire Restrictions Due to Conditions

Effective at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2016, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office lifted its Stage II Fire Ban and re-enacted Stage I Fire Restrictions for all unincorporated Jefferson County west of C470, Colorado Highway 93, and Colorado Highway 121 to the Platte River. The lower restrictions were reinstated due to current conditions being more favorable for wildfire prevention than a Stage II Fire Ban. Conditions will continue to be monitored and restrictions will be adjusted as necessary.

The following activities are prohibited pursuant to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:
o Building, maintaining, attending or using any fire or recreational campfire, except a recreational fire within a permanently constructed fire grate in a developed park, campground, private residence, or picnic area.

NOTE: Persons with private residential recreational campfires exempted as described above are encouraged to contact their local fire agency and advise start and finish times to alleviate smoke check responses.

o Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material. (2015 IFC 320.8).

o Open burning, including “bon fires” that require a permit from the fire authority of jurisdiction. (2015 IFC 105.6.30).

o The use of fireworks within unincorporated Jefferson County.

NOTE: Burn permits issued and not executed prior to the effective date of these temporary fire restrictions shall not be authorized unless approved by the issuing agency on the day of execution.

Exemptions approved under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

o Use of liquid or gas fueled appliances.
o Approved wood pellet grills.
o Charcoal barbeque grills at private residences or within a permanently constructed grate in a developed park, campground, or picnic area and not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area. (2015 IFC 308.1.6).
o Portable outdoor fireplaces, Tiki torches, chimineas, and fire pits at private residence or in a developed park, campground, or picnic area and not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area. (2015 IFC 307.4.3).
o Welding and cutting torch appliances, as described in the definition section, may only be operated in an area no closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area. (2015 IFC 308.1.6).
o Recreational fires not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area. (2015 IFC 307.4.2).
o Permitted fires by persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act such as professional fireworks displays.
NOTE: Contact must be made with the permitting authority to verify the status of permits issued prior to the establishment of burn restrictions.
o Fire department / district training fires.
o Burning of explosive wastes by manufacturer of explosives in areas zoned for industrial use, when the burning is supervised by the fire protection district.
o Open fires or open burning by any federal, state, or local officer in the performance of official fire suppression functions.

Individuals operating under any of the above exemptions shall take adequate measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Possible measures include, but are not limited to:

o Containers of adequate water or dry soil nearby.
o Shovels, fire extinguishers, or other extinguishing agents nearby.
o Coordination with the local fire department or district to be on scene or standby during an activity.

Definitions:

Fireworks:
As defined in section 12-28-101(3) C.R.S, and shall specifically include “permissible fireworks” as defined in section 12-28-101(8) C.R.S.

Liquid or gas fueled appliances:
Appliances such as fire pits, grills and camp stoves that burn liquid or gaseous fuels and can be shut off. This does not include any device that burns solid fuels such as wood or charcoal and which must be extinguished.

Open fire and open burning:
Any outdoor fire larger than a recreational fire and not contained within a portable outdoor fireplace. This includes but is not limited to campfires, bonfires, warming fires, the lighting of any fused explosives, permissible fireworks, the use of model rockets, “sky lanterns”, and the burning of fence lines or rows, grass lands, fields, farm lands, ditches, range lands, and wild lands. Permits from the fire district are required for open fires.

Portable outdoor fireplace:
A commercially purchased portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other non-combustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening at the top (chimineas). These devices must be operated according to the manufactures instructions with all covers, screens, spark arresters, and grates in place. Portable outdoor fireplaces shall not be operated within 30 feet of a structure or combustible material.

Recreational fire:
An outdoor fire burning material other than rubbish or debris where the fuel being burned is not contained in a portable outdoor fireplace or barbeque grill and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure (Tiki torches), religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. This includes fires in barrels and drums; fixed, permanent outdoor fireplaces; and barbeque pit fires.

Undeveloped areas:
Lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined to be an undue wildland fire hazard.

Welding and cutting torch appliances:
Gas cylinder mixtures, electric and/or portable powered welders and cutting appliances which produce heat, flame, sparks, molten metal slag, etc.

Pursuant to County Policy Part 3, Chapter 6, Section 2, authorizing the Declaration of Open Fire Bans, violations of these prohibitions, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.00. Such act(s) violate section(s) 102.8 and/or 308.2.1 of the International Fire Code.

Clarification from the Jeffco Sheriff's Office:

Fire restriction clarification: currently, JeffCo Open Space and Denver Mountain Parks (which is mirroring Open Space) remain in a Stage II Fire Ban that does not allow open flame fire. Propane grills are okay, but charcoal grills, campfires, etc are still banned in JeffCo Open Space. Unincorporated Jefferson County, West of C470 and outside of Open Space and Denver Mountain Parks, are now in Stage I Fire Restrictions, which allows for charcoal grills, the use of chimeneas, fire grates, etc as described below. If you plan to go to a National Park, please check with the U.S. Forest Service for their current restrictions. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion.

Per Jeffco Sheriff ‏@jeffcosheriffco 1 hour ago
Effective this morning fire restrictions lifted for unincorp. #JeffCo Details: jeffco.us/sheriff/news/2016/fire-restric...ed-jefferson-county/