The county wide Stage 1 Fire Restrictions that have been in effect have now been lifted as a result of the following:

1. Our area is not receiving a high occurrence of human caused fires.
2. The fire fighting resources are good in the county for fire suppression.
3. The fire danger has dropped to high (versus very high and or extreme).
4. There are no adverse fire weather conditions.
5.  Increased moisture and rains we have been receiving have brought the fire danger levels down significantly.
6.  Western and State Partners which include the BLM and the Pike National Forest have lifted their fire restrictions.
7. The County Fire District Chiefs have been surveyed for specific concerns.

Please keep in mind we request you contact your local Fire Protection District before engaging in any open burning that has been allowed in the past. Our county has various topographical features where some terrain may experience large amounts of moisture but other portions remain dry and may have a higher risk of fire. A few of the Fire Districts out east along the county border particularly, request that you remain extremely cautious with the use any flame producing device and/or fire.

Pursuant to CRS 32-1-1002(3)(a) the Chief of each Fire Protection District has authority over the supervision of all fires within their district and the local Fire Districts having fire jurisdiction may have codes, regulations, policies or standards that may still be restrictive and/or prohibit certain activities as it relates to fire and open flame. You must contact your local fire district before engaging in fire related activities.

While the restrictions have been lifted, we continue to stress using caution when using any open fire and or flame producing devices. Always keep a safe area for their use and make sure you keep fire suppression items available.

The Sheriff’s Office and other Fire officials will continue to monitor weather and fire danger conditions and may enact additional restrictions if needed.