Larimer County adopts fire restrictions on open fires & fireworks

As of noon on July 12, restrictions on open fires for the unincorporated portions of Larimer County goes into effect. Also in effect are restrictions on the use of fireworks, public firework displays and incendiary devices.

Due to hot, dry conditions, the danger of wildfire, forest and grass fires is very high in Larimer County. The July 12 restrictions were based on a recommendation from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and were unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

Restricted:
· No open fires, including camp or cooking fires.
· Smoking in the open is not allowed, including trails, parks and open spaces.
· No fireworks or firework displays.
· No incendiary devices, including sky lanterns, exploding ammunition, exploding targets, and tracer ammunition.
· No welding

Not restricted:
· Contained open fires in permanently constructed stationary masonry or metal fireplaces specifically designed for the purpose of combustion
· The use of internal or external combustion engine with a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order and meeting published standards.
· Fireplaces or wood stoves located inside permanent structures.
· Fires in commercially operated wood and/or charcoal fired grills designed for cooking.
· Charcoal fired grills when used at a private residence and location on a non-combustible surface of at lease ten feet in diameter.
· Fires such as those in camp stoves and grills using gas or pressurized liquid.
· Welding and other torch work within an enclosed building.
· Fires in air curtain burners.

· Outdoor welding and other torch work provided that:
o The area where the welding or other torch work is to be performed is free of vegetation for at least thirty feet in all directions.
o Wind speed is less than 10 mph.
o There is sufficient amount of fire suppressant immediately available to suppress any fire that may be started.

The Sheriff my give limited exemptions from these restrictions based on his pre-approval and inspection.

Any person who knowingly violates the restrictions can be fined. The Ordinance for the Regulation of Open Burning in Unincorporated Larimer County can be found at: http://larimer.org/policies/fire_ban_ordinance.pdf.