Fire Conditions

FIRE RESTRICTIONS & BANS

October 3, 2019 5:19 PM

Fire Restrictions Implemented

Effective at 12:00 a.m. on October 4, 2019, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader will implement temporary Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for all lands in Jefferson County.

These restrictions are being enacted due to current dry conditions and the continued high fire danger condition within Jefferson County. Conditions will continue to be monitored and restrictions will be adjusted when necessary.

For information and details on fire restrictions, see the Fire Restriction Details web page. https://www.jeffco.us/517/Fire-Restriction-Details

Due to Jefferson County’s geographic makeup, wildfire is always a concern, and it is a more potent threat during droughts or dry spells. Rainfall and cooler temperatures may reduce the danger of wildfire; however, people are encouraged to be vigilant as the danger of fire is always present in the high country. The risk is even greater when under a fire weather watch or red flag warning. Citizens should use caution when starting and extinguishing campfires, disposing of lighted cigarettes, and other activities that involve the use of fire or sparks.

The latest Fire Code to be adopted within Jefferson County is the 2017 International Fire Code (IFC).

Fire Restrictions

Oct. 3, 2019– Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
The National Forest Service has also issued Stage 1 Fire restrictions. The Forest Service restriction includes a ban on target shooting on Forest Service Lands.

STAGE 1

Not allowed:

  • No open burning of any kind.
  • No use of fireworks.

Allowed:

  • Fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings, charcoal grill fires within developed residential or commercial areas, and fires within wood burning stoves within buildings only.
  • Professional fireworks displays permitted according to section 12-28-103 of the C.R.S.
  • Fire suppression or fire department training fires.
  • Small recreational fires at developed picnic or campground sites contained in fixed permanent metal/steel fire pits (rock fire rings are considered temporary and not permanent) with flame lengths not in excess of four feet.
  • Residential use of charcoal grills, Tiki torches, fires in chimineas or other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits, as long as the fires are supervised by a responsible person at least 18 years old.
  • Professional fireworks displays.

Violation of these fire restrictions is a Class-2 Petty Offense, punishable by up to a $1000.00 fine and a $10.00 surcharge