Council enacts open fire ban within Fort Collins city limits

Because of very dry conditions and high fire danger, on June 26, the Fort Collins City Council approved an open fire ban as part of emergency fire restrictions. These restrictions apply to open flames and open burning within the City of Fort Collins, and are more prohibitive than those issued under the Governor’s Executive Order D-2012-015, signed last week.

The Fort Collins ordinance gives authority to Fort Collins Police Services and Poudre Fire Authority to enforce the fire ban within city limits, and will remain in effect until lifted by the Fire Chief or the Fort Collins City Council.

Open Burning
The open fire ban includes any outdoor fire, including but not limited to campfires, warming fires, charcoal grill fires, fused explosives, fireworks and any other activity that poses a significant risk of starting a fire. The ban applies to all areas within city limits including City of Fort Collins parks and natural areas.

NOT PERMITTED:
Fireworks, use and sale (fireworks have been illegal within Fort Collins city limits for more than 20 years)
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pans, chimeras and similar manufactured devices for open fires
Charcoal grills in locations other than private residences, including parks
Constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed camp and picnic grounds or recreation sites

PERMITTED:
Charcoal grills at private residences
Commercially operated wood and/or charcoal fired grills designed for cooking
Gas or pressurized liquid stoves and grills
Fireplaces or wood stoves inside of buildings

PERMITTED ONLY WITH PFA APPROVAL AND PERMIT:
Commercial, professional and municipal fireworks displays.
Prescribed or controlled burns for agricultural or irrigation purposes. PFA is not issuing permits or exemptions for these burns at this time.

There are no restrictions on smoking, or on internal or external combustion engines within City limits.

Fire Restrictions Outside City Limits, But Within PFA Jurisdiction

NOT PERMITTED:
Fireworks, use and sale
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pans, chimeras and similar manufactured devices for open fires
Charcoal grills
Constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed camp and picnic grounds or recreation sites

PERMITTED:
Commercially operated wood and/or charcoal fired grills designed for cooking
Gas or pressurized liquid stoves and grills
Fireplaces or wood stoves inside of buildings

PERMITTED ONLY WITH PFA APPROVAL AND PERMIT:
Commercial, professional and municipal fireworks displays.

Smoking is permitted within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. Smoking within an enclosed vehicle shall mean that the cigarette, cigar or other smoking instrument is at all times contained within the vehicle and is not allowed to leave the vehicle, protrude or be held outside the vehicle, including the window of the vehicle. Butts and stubs must be disposed of within a trash receptacle or within the vehicle.

Internal or external combustion engines are permitted with approved spark arrestors.

Why are liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves permitted?
Such stoves are permitted because they can be turned off and left unattended without fear of starting a fire.

Why are charcoal grills in parks/recreation areas not permitted, while those at private residences are allowed?
Charcoal grills in parks and recreation areas are not permitted because they can be easily left unattended and forgotten, thereby presenting a fire hazard. Disposal of ashes during a time of extremely dry fuels adds another possibility of fire starts. These grills are located in open spaces in the City, which could lead to rapid fire spread through natural fuels and property loss.