Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in place
As of July 7, 2026, a Stage 2 fire ban is in effect in unincorporated Jefferson County, Colorado, prohibiting nearly all outdoor fires and high-risk ignition sources.
Current Fire Ban Status
Jefferson County is under a Stage 2 fire ban, the most severe level of fire restriction, which remains in effect until further notice jeffcosheriffco.gov+1. This ban applies to all unincorporated areas of the county and supersedes Stage 1 restrictions jeffcosheriffco.gov. Residents within city limits should check with their local municipalities for specific fire rules.
Prohibited Activities
During a Stage 2 fire ban, the following are strictly prohibited jeffcosheriffco.gov+2:
- All fires and campfires, including those in fire pits, grates, or developed fire rings
- Open burning, bonfires, and trash/debris burning
- Charcoal grills, chimineas, wood-burning fire pits, and portable outdoor fireplaces
- Fireworks of any kind, including normally permissible consumer fireworks
- Sky lanterns
- Smoking outdoors except in enclosed vehicles, buildings, or cleared barren areas
- Tracer rounds or explosive-type targets
- Chain saws without a USDA/SAE-approved spark arrester, extinguisher, and shovel
- Welding or cutting torches without a fire-authority permit and a 30-foot cleared area
Allowed Activities
Certain gas or liquid-fueled devices are still permitted:
- Gas fire pits, grills, lanterns, and stoves
- Liquid or gas camp stoves
- Professional fireworks displays with a permit
Safety and Preparedness
Residents are advised to:
- Maintain defensible space around homes by clearing dry brush, leaves, and debris
- Secure outdoor items that could become hazards in wind
- Bring pets indoors or supervise them closely
- Be alert for smoke and call 911 immediately if a fire is observed
- Sign up for Lookout Alert to receive notifications about changing fire conditions
Penalties
Violating fire restrictions can result in fines up to $600 per violation, as outlined in county policy and the International Fire Code jeffcosheriffco.gov+1. Enforcement is handled by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Monitoring and Updates
Fire restrictions are based on local weather, drought, and vegetation conditions, and may change if conditions improve or worsen jeffcosheriffco.gov+1. Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service automatically trigger Stage 1 restrictions, which can escalate to Stage 2 if conditions remain critical.
For the most current information, residents can visit the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office fire restrictions page or contact the fire hotline at 303-271-8200.
