Multi-agency press release from Garfield County Sheriff’s Office
8.14.24, Garfield County, CO – The Garfield County Sheriff, BLM and the seven fire districts in Garfield County are continuing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in all unincorporated areas of Garfield County effective at 12:01 a.m., Friday, August 16, 2024.
The recent rainfall in our area has allowed the Stage I restrictions to be lifted above the 8000 foot level, however, conditions below that elevation are still at risk due to many of the considerations noted below. These criteria, coupled with the availability of resources due to other fires in Colorado and adjoining states dictates that we continue the Stage I restrictions below the 8000 foot level in Garfield County. Dry vegetation and the severe drought conditions we have recently experienced increases the danger for human-caused wildfires.
The decision was made with thoughtful consideration. We look at the data, the potential for significant wildfires and balance it with the impacts to our community. Our concern, with the level of fire danger we are seeing; one spark could quickly spread into a dangerous wildfire threatening lives, property and natural resources.
Fire restrictions are implemented based on specific criteria to include moisture content of vegetation, weather outlooks, human risk factors and firefighting resource availability. It’s been hot, dry, and unseasonably windy. So far this year, we have had several Red Flag Warnings.
What Stage 1 fire restrictions mean in Garfield County
• Fireworks are not allowed under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Professional fireworks shows may be allowed through the permitting process.
• All burn permits are postponed/canceled until further notice.
• Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed areas (i.e. a permanent in-ground containment structure or store-bought fire pit). A temporary fire pan and rock campfire rings will not be acceptable.
• No fires of any type, including charcoal, in undeveloped areas.
• No smoking except within a designated area, enclosed vehicle or building, a developed area or in an area free of combustibles.
• No use of fireworks or explosive materials, including “exploding” targets or bullets and tracer rounds.
• Exercise common sense and industry safety practices when welding or operating an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame with a safe area clear of vegetation and combustibles.
Penalties
Causing a fire during fire restrictions can be a class 6 felony and can be punishable by fines. Other possible charges range from a Class 2 Felony to a petty offense depending on the value of the damage caused. You may be held financially responsible for damage caused.
Federal lands
The use of fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices, including exploding targets, are always prohibited on federal lands.
By definition:
A “developed area” is an area, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured and or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by the landowner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.
“Undeveloped areas” are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard.