Park County Burn Ban Lifted April 16

Park County Sheriff's Office
42 mins ago

BURN BAN
Effective April 7, 2020 at 10:00 AM, Park County will initiate a county wide fire ban. There are several reasons for this fire ban to go into effect.
• There have been 3 wildfires in the past 3 days in Park County
• The readiness and availability of local fire department personnel has been and will continue to be impacted by various aspects of COVID-19
• Non-Park County residents have been traveling to our areas for camping and other outdoor recreation.
• The U.S Forestry Department may be implementing a regional fire ban within the next several days.

This fire ban also means that there will be NO recreational shooting in Park County, including the Forestry areas. The only exception to this will be the Como shooting range where you will only lead bullets will be authorized. This bullet is made entirely of lead. No copper or hard-metal jacketed ammunition is authorized.

Licensed hunters in pursuit of game will be authorized to shoot firearms and use standard types of ammunition.

This decision was not made easily but only after discussion with the local fire chiefs was it determined that this is the base course of action.

Yes, we are aware that there is still snow in areas and that the forecast calls for more snow. Please be patient with this decision as there are other factors involved. Please abide by the county ordinance 19-01. Summons for violations will start at $500.00 and increase to $1000.00.

Effective April 7, 2020 at 10am
BURN BAN IN EFFECT FOR PARK COUNTY

The following acts are PROHIBITED on ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY until further notice:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal.
2. 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.
3. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads or trails.
4. Blasting, welding or other activities, which generate flame or flammable material.
5. Fireworks and model rocketry.
6. Target shooting and recreational shooting is prohibited, including the Forestry areas.
The only exception to this will be the Como shooting range where only lead bullets are authorized. No copper or hard-metal jacketed ammunition is authorized.
7. Operating a chain saw without a 10lb ABC or 2 ½ gallon pressurized or equivalent fire extinguisher, and large size pointed shovel readily available for quick use.

Exceptions:

1. Persons with a written exemption from the Sheriff that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
2. Persons using a fire solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels.
3. Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
4. Approved fully contained outdoor wood burning furnace/boiler.
5. For commercial operations authorized under contract or permit, internal and external combustion engines may be operated as approved by the Forest Service within designated areas.
6. Licensed hunters that are actively pursuing game.

This decision was not made easily, but only after discussion with the local Fire Chiefs was it determined that this is the best course of action. Yes, we are aware that there is still snow in some areas and that the forecast is calling for more snow. Please be patient with this decision as there are other factors involved. Please abide by the County Ordinance 19-01. Citations for violations will start at $500 and increase to $1000.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Sheriff Tom McGraw

Both the Smokies on 285 still say low fire danger today.

Park County Sheriff's Office
12 mins ago

The County Wide Burn Ban has been lifted but there are still burning restrictions in certain Fire Districts in Park County.
The USFS is in a Burn Ban.
Private land Burn information: Fire District Burn Restrictions in Please call your local Fire Department or 719-836-4160