Jefferson County, Co. – Effective on Thursday, October 14th, temporary fire restrictions were issued for all areas of unincorporated Jefferson County.  These restrictions are intended to reduce the likelihood of human caused wildfires. 

The fire restrictions supersede the fire ban which was implemented on September 14, 2010. 

These temporary fire restrictions apply to all lands in unincorporated Jefferson County.  These restrictions do not include or apply to federal lands.

Pursuant to the annual operating plan regarding the implementation of fire restrictions and fire bans; and due to the continuing high fire danger condition within Jefferson County, the following activities are prohibited pursuant to stage 1 restrictions:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using any fire or campfire, except a fire within a permanently constructed fire grate in a developed park, campground, or picnic area.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least six feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.

NOTE:  Burn permits issued and not executed prior to the effective date of these temporary fire restrictions shall not be authorized unless approved by the issuing agency on the day of execution.

Exemptions approved under these temporary fire restrictions:

• Persons with a valid written permit from the sheriff or appropriate fire authority, which specifically authorizes the prohibited act.
• Any federal, state, or local law enforcement or fire officer acting in the performance of an official duty.
• Any fires contained within liquid fueled or gas fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices.
• Charcoal grill fires at private residences or within a permanently constructed grate in a developed park, campground, or picnic area.
• Campfires or bonfires required in religious ceremonies and for which a valid written permit has been granted in advance by the local fire department or district.

Individuals operating under any of the above exemptions shall take adequate measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Possible measures include, but are not limited to:

• Containers of adequate water or dry soil nearby
• Shovels, fire extinguishers, or other extinguishing agents nearby
• Coordination with the local fire department or district to be on scene or standby during an activity

Pursuant to County Resolution CC 97-433, violations of these prohibitions, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.00. Such acts violate sections 102.8 and 308.2.1 of the International Fire Code.

These temporary fire restrictions become effective at 8:00 A.M. on October 14, 2010 and shall remain in effect until superseded or repealed.

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