Larimer County Extends Fire Restrictions

On recommendation by the Larimer County Sheriff, the Board of Larimer County Commissioners at their regular Administrative Matters meeting recently voted 2-0 to extend the fire restrictions currently in effect in unincorporated Larimer County.

The restrictions have been extended since the danger of wildfire, forest, and grass fires are high due to above-normal temperatures, lightning strikes, and windy, dry conditions.

As of 12:01 pm, July 29 restrictions on open fires for the unincorporated portions of Larimer County are extended and stay in effect until 12:01 pm August 29. Also in effect are restrictions on the use of fireworks, combustible devices, public firework displays, and incendiary devices. This is not a fire ban.

Restricted:

• Open fires, including camp or cooking fires
• Smoking in the open is not allowed, including on trails, parks, and open spaces.
• Fireworks or firework displays.
• Incendiary devices including sky lanterns, exploding ammunition, exploding targets,
• and tracer ammunition.
• Welding

Not Restricted:

• Contained open fires in permanently constructed stationary masonry or metal fireplaces
• specifically designed for the purpose of combustion.
• Gas or Liquid Fueled Fires fueled by bottled gas or pressurized liquid shall include but are not limited to portable heaters, cooking stoves, heating stoves, hiking/camping stoves, grills, fire pits, fireplaces, etc.
  The use of an 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 least ten feet in diameter.
• Welding and other torch work within an enclosed building.
• Outdoor welding and other torch work provided that:
• 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.
• Wind speed is less than 10 mph.
• There is sufficient fire suppressant immediately available to suppress any fire that may be started.
• Fires in air curtain burners.
• Public firework display approved by the appropriate Fire Department or Fire District.

The Sheriff may 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 larimer.gov