Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle on Mondays amended the Level 2 fire restrictions to include all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. The restrictions were originally put in place in July for the western portion of the county.
“The inclusion of eastern Boulder County is due to high fire danger caused by very low humidity levels and above normal daytime temperatures, with no significant relief in the forecast,” the county stated in a news release. “In addition, we are still concerned about the firefighting and law enforcement resources while we have the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and continue to take proactive measures to protect the health, safety and welfare of our residents and first responders.”
Violations of the fire ban may be subject to up to a $1,000 fine, as well as possible civil penalties. Higher fines may be imposed for subsequent offenses, according to the release.
The fire restrictions do not affect open fires within incorporated cities and towns, however, residents and visitors must comply with applicable ordinances and regulations.
The fire restrictions will be in effect until Pelle finds hazardous conditions have subsided, according to the release.
The ban prohibits:
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Lighting fires and using stoves, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood-burning stoves and sheepherder’s stoves. Use is prohibited everywhere, including at developed camping and picnic grounds.
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Sales, use and possession of fireworks, including those that otherwise are legal in Boulder County.
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Shooting or discharging firearms for recreational purposes.
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Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
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Operating a chainsaw without a properly installed spark arrester. Chainsaw users also must keep a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher and a round point shovel at least 35 inches long readily available for use.
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Using explosives, including but not limited to fuses or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary ammunition.
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Welding or operating open-flame torches except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and while in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher
The ban allows:
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Smoking in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
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Using pressurized liquid or gas stoves, grills or lanterns that have shut-off valves. Such devices must be used in areas at least 3 feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles.
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Shooting or discharging firearms for hunting on public or private land. Valid hunting licenses are required.
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Shooting or discharging firearms at shooting ranges on the plains where the projectile impact is at least 10 feet clear of vegetation and all combustible materials.
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Operating a chainsaw with a properly installed spark arrester. Chainsaw users also must keep a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher and a round point shovel at least 35 inches long readily available for use.
