Open burning, private use of fireworks banned in Colorado

Gov. John Hickenlooper Thursday signed an Executive Order that bans open burning and private use of fireworks throughout Colorado until further notice because of very dry conditions and high fire danger.

The ban does not apply to campfires in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed camp and picnic grounds or recreation sites; liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves; fireplaces contained within buildings; charcoal grills at private residences; or specific prescribed or controlled burns for agricultural or irrigation purposes.

Under the order, commercial, professional and municipal fireworks displays are allowed when written approval has been granted by the sheriff of the county in which the fireworks display is to occur. However, the Larimer County Commissioners on Tuesday banned all use of fireworks, public and private, in unincorporated areas of the western part of the county through Sept. 30. Open fire restrictions similar to the state ban have been in force in Larimer County since May and have also been extended until Sept. 30.

The governor’s action is not intended to supersede more comprehensive or inclusive open burning restrictions established by counties or municipalities. Where permitted by law, counties and other local governments may ban any or all of the open burning exemptions listed in the order if warranted given local fire danger conditions.

At least 44 of the state’s 64 counties are now listed with “high,” “very high” or “extreme” wildfire danger, and most have already adopted fire bans.

The wildfire danger and individual restrictions for every Colorado county can be found at www.colorado.gov. Complete Larimer County fire restrictions can be found at www.larimer.org.