Several Colorado areas under burn restrictions — what does it mean?

DENVER (KDVR) — As multiple fires burn thousands of acres along the Front Range, several counties across the state have set burn bans and fire restrictions in effect.

Burn bans and fire restrictions are put in place by local authorities when dry conditions increase fire danger. Some counties automatically implement fire restrictions during red flag warnings.

There are varying rules for different kinds of burn bans restricting activities that could start fires. Generally, they mean no fireworks or open burning, and violators could face penalties.

Here are the counties that have burn bans and fire restrictions in place Thursday:

• Adams County – Stage 2
• Arapahoe County – Stage 2
• Boulder County – Stage 2
• Broomfield – Level 2 fire ban
• City of Littleton – Stage 2
• Clear Creek County – Stage 2
• Delta County – Stage 1
• El Paso County – Stage 1
• Gilpin County – Stage 2
• Garfield County – Stage 1
• Jefferson County – Stage 1
• Lafayette – Stage 2
• Larimer County – Fire restrictions
• North Metro Fire Rescue District – Level 2 fire ban
• Park County – Stage 1
• Teller County – Stage 1

Most of the fire restrictions and burn bans are in effect until further notice. Check with your local agency as linked above for details.

Rocky Mountain National Park always has fire restrictions in place, but currently has a stage 2 fire ban in effect for the first time since August 2020. All campfires are prohibited, but visitors can still use petroleum-fueled stoves and grills in developed areas.

What’s allowed under burn bans?

Typically, a stage 1 burn ban or fire restriction prohibits:

• Outdoor fires except in developed camping areas or in a permanent fire ring
• Fireworks, model rockets
• No open burning without the appropriate permit
• Target and recreational shooting
• Blasting
• Using a chain saw without a pressurized water system

Unlike stage 2 rules, the use of charcoal grills, pellet grills, smokers and other barbeque grills is generally allowed as long as it is 10 feet away from combustible materials.

Other stage 1 exceptions

• Gas-fueled fires (grills, camping stoves)
• Charcoal grills and pits
• Residential use of tiki torches or portable fireplaces where allowed by code

A stage 2 burn ban or fire restriction normally prohibits:

• Outdoor fires, campfires or stove fires on private and public lands
• Charcoal-fueled fires, warming fires, fires in outdoor wood-burning stoves
• Fireworks (even ones that are legal in Colorado)
• Shooting firearms
• Explosives or blasting work
• Operating motor vehicles, including off-road vehicles, off of established roads, trails and parking areas
• Prescribed burning
• Smoking, except within an enclosed building or vehicle, or in an area clear of all combustible material within 6 feet
• Using a chainsaw (or other internal combustion engines) without a USDA or SAE-approved spark-arresting device
• Welding, except in a 30-foot radius area clear of all combustible material

Stage 2 exceptions:

• Those with a valid written permit that authorizes the prohibited act
• Federal, state, local law enforcement or fire officers acting on an official duty
• Open fires required for religious ceremonies with a valid permit

Agencies may have unique guidelines for what is allowed during burn restrictions. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control recommends always checking local county resources before burning anything. You can find information specific to your area on your county’s website.

Anyone caught violating local fire restrictions or burn bans could face penalties including $500 to $1,000 fines.

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