Larimer County puts new fire restrictions in place banning open fires and smoking in open

New fire restrictions for unincorporated areas of Larimer County were adopted and put in place immediately Wednesday afternoon, banning all open fires and smoking in the open outdoors.

The restrictions, approved by a 3-0 vote of the county commissioners, will remain in effect through 8 a.m. Aug. 31, the county said in a news release.

Commissioners cited concerns over wildfire, in both forests and grasses, because of above-normal temperatures; lightning strikes; and windy, dry weather conditions.

All open fires, including campfires and cooking fires, are now banned. That includes camp and cooking fires in permanently constructed masonry and metal fireplaces, including those found in established campgrounds.

Also prohibited are smoking in the open, including on trails and in parks and open spaces; fireworks and firework displays; welding; and all incendiary devices, including sky lanterns, exploding ammunition, exploding targets and tracer ammunition.

Gas-fueled fires, including grills and cooking stoves, are still permitted, as are fireplaces and wood stoves located inside a residence.

Violators are subject to fines, the news release said.

Contact reporter Kelly Lyell at KellyLyell@coloradoan.com . You can follow him at x.com/KellyLyell and facebook.com/KellyLyell.news.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Larimer County puts new fire restrictions in place banning open fires and smoking in open