Stage 1 Fire Ban In Effect for Park County starting March 28, 2025

Stage 1 Fire Ban In Effect for Park County starting tomorrow, March 28 at 8am.

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

1. 1. Building, maintaining, attending or using open burning or an open fire as defined in Section 5.f. of
   County Ordinance 21-04, except on Forest Service land in paid hosted camping areas.
2. Target shooting and recreational shooting is prohibited, including the Forestry areas. The only
   exception to this will be the Como shooting range. POSTED RANGE RULES MUST BE
   FOLLOWED.
3. Blasting, or other activities, which generate flame or flammable material.
4. Outdoor hot work without a pressurized water system or at least a 7lb. ABC or 2 ½ gallon pressurized
   or equivalent fire extinguisher, and large size pointed shovel readily available for quick use.
5. Fireworks and model rocketry.
6. 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.
7. Operating a chain saw without a pressurized water system or at least a 7lb ABC or 2 ½ gallon
   pressurized or equivalent fire extinguisher, and large size pointed shovel readily available for quick use.

Exceptions:

1. 1. Persons with a written exemption from their District Fire Chief 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.
7. Target and recreational shooting with LEAD ONLY is permitted on private property when the owner or
   lessee of such private property, or the owner or lessee’s employee, is present and supervising.

Please abide by the County Ordinance 21-04. Citations for violations will start at $500 and increase to $1000.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sheriff Tom McGraw
Park County Sheriff’s Office
PO Box 604
Fairplay, CO 80440
719-836-2494
Sheriff Tom McGraw
parkcountyco.gov/DocumentCenter/View/949...re-Ban-March-28-2025

Posted on the Park County Sheriff's Office page:

Implementation of Stage 1 Burn Ban in Park County

On March 25 and 26, we experienced two separate wildfires in the Lake George area, followed by another wildfire today, March 27, off Highway 285 in the Hartsel area. The wildfire on March 25 was caused by the ignition of a compost pile.

On March 26, Park County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Lucas Crockett was on patrol on Highway 24 when he observed smoke coming from the woods. Upon investigating, he discovered a wildfire rapidly moving up the mountain toward a subdivision. Thanks to Sergeant Crockett’s swift actions and the prompt response of the Lake George Fire Protection District, the fire was successfully contained. The fire was determined to be the result of an unattended and improperly monitored burn pile. The homeowner responsible has been charged accordingly.

Today’s fire on March 27 appears to have been sparked by a blown tire, which ignited dry vegetation along State Road 285. Park County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Mark Dahlsten, who was nearby, responded immediately. With assistance from several citizens, the fire was quickly extinguished. No responsible party was located for this incident.

Additionally, a recent wildfire occurred off Sugar Loaf Lane. Thanks to the efforts of Sergeant Ledvina and Deputy Connor, that fire was also contained.

These fires are a stark reminder of the extremely dry conditions we are currently facing. After consulting with all fire chiefs across Park County, I have determined that a county-wide burn ban is necessary. I have also contacted the U.S. Forest Service, which has confirmed that the moisture content in the area is critically low and supports implementing the ban.

While it is unusually early to impose a burn ban, given these conditions and recent events, Park County will enter a Stage 1 Burn Ban effective Friday, March 28, at 8:00 AM. If we receive significant snowfall, we will reassess the ban. However, with the current forecast predicting a continued dry season, it is likely that the burn ban will remain in effect throughout the summer.

Please be advised that the burn ban will be strictly enforced, with severe fines for any violations. Should members of the public ask why the ban is in place, please explain the dangers posed by the dry conditions and the recent fire activity.

Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to the safety of our community.
Sheriff Tom McGraw