During periods of high to extreme fire danger, Douglas County may enact fire restrictions for unincorporated areas based on the following factors:

• Future weather forecasts, lack of precipitation and heavy fuel loading have created a significant threat of fire in the forests and prairies of Douglas County.
• Open fires, burning, and fireworks can be a prime cause of forest and grass fires in Douglas County.
• It is necessary for the immediate preservation of public heath, safety and welfare of the citizens of Douglas County to impose a restriction on all open fires and open burning within the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
• These fire restrictions are a proactive approach to eliminate human caused fire ignition sources.

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May 31, 2011 - Fire Restrictions Rescinded

Effective May 31, 2011, recent heavy precipitation and future weather outlooks indicate the fire danger/hazard for the County has been lessened. As a result, the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners has rescinded all fire restrictions; this applies to unincorporated Douglas County including, U.S. Forest Service Land.

Although the severe fire danger has temporarily decreased, we must all recognize that wildfire danger does still pose a threat.  Sheriff David A. Weaver reminds everyone to use caution when starting and extinguishing campfires, disposing of lighted materials such as cigarettes, and any other activities that involve the use of fire or sparks.

Prohibited Activities:	Allowable Activities:
Open burning of any kind	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.
Use and sale of fireworks	Professional fireworks displays permitted according to section 12-28-103 of the C.R.S.
	Fire suppression or fire department training fires.
	Tiki torches, small recreational fires at developed picnic or campground sites contained in permanent fire pits or fire grates with flame lengths not in excess of four feet and which are supervised by a responsible person at least 21 years of age.

 

Violation of these fire restrictions is a Class-2 Petty Offense, punishable by up to a $600.00 fine and a $22.00 surcharge.

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There are two types of fire restrictions that you need to be aware of:

STAGE 1

Prohibited Activities:

• Open burning of any kind.
• Use and sale of fireworks.

Allowable Activities:

• 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.
• Professional fireworks displays permitted according to section 12-28-103 of the C.R.S.
• Fire suppression or fire department training fires.
• Tiki torches, small recreational fires at developed picnic or campground sites contained in permanent fire pits or fire grates with flame lengths not in excess of four feet and which are supervised by a responsible person at least 21 years of age.

Violation of these fire restrictions is a Class-2 Petty Offense, punishable by up to a $600.00 fine and a $22.00 surcharge.

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STAGE 2

Prohibited Activities:

• Open burning of any kind.
• Use and sale of fireworks.
• Use of charcoal grills and fires in chimineas, other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits.
• Campfires at developed campgrounds or picnic areas.

Allowable Activities:

• Cooking on gas or liquid fueled stoves or grills.