Jefferson County, Co. – Jefferson County Sheriff Ted Mink has issued temporary fire restrictions effective at 8:00 a.m. on July 1, 2011 for the below listed areas in unincorporated Jefferson County:

• All lands west of Highway 93
• All lands west of C-470
• All lands west of Highway 121, for all portions south of C-470

These fire restrictions are intended to reduce the likelihood of human caused wildfires.

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.
• Permissible fireworks, provided that all combustible material is adequately cleared above and around the fireworks used.

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 shall remain in effect until superseded or repealed.