Colorado bans open burning

  • Published
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Colorado issued an executive order that prohibits open burning and private use of fireworks throughout the state because of very dry conditions and high fire danger.

Open fire includes any outdoor fire, including, but not limited to, campfires, warming fires, charcoal grill fires, fused explosives, fireworks, and any other activity that poses a significant risk at starting fire.

Additionally, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and Fire Marshal's Office implemented open burning rules issued in the county.

"It is that time of year when wild land fire incidents are at their peak, with the extremely dry conditions Colorado has already had 344 reported wildfires burning more than 120,000 acres" said Mark Captain, Schriever Fire and Emergency Services deputy fire chief. "We urge Team Schriever to always think of fire safety and follow the rules and regulations of the state and the county. They are there for a reason."

Open burning with no restrictions in place may only take place with an open burning permit issued by the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment - Air Quality. Violations of the provision may result in a civil fine.

Burning during Stage I Fire Restrictions:

The following activities are prohibited during Stage I Restrictions:

· Open burning defined as campfires and warming fires (except in permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds), charcoal grills and outdoor wood burning stoves (except at private residences in areas cleared of all flammable materials), the use of explosives, outdoor welding or use of acetylene or other torch with open flame other than in an area cleared of all flammable materials. Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves are permitted.

· The use or sale of fireworks of all kinds.

· Outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Violations of Stage I Restrictions may result in a fine of up to $600.

Burning during Stage II Fire Restrictions:

The following activities are prohibited during Stage II Restrictions:

· Open burning defined as campfires and warming fires, charcoal grills and outdoor wood burning stoves, the use of explosives, outdoor welding or use of acetylene or other torch with open flame other than in an area cleared of all flammable materials. Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves are permitted.

· The use or sale of fireworks of all kinds.

· Outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building.

Violations of Stage II Restrictions may result in a fine of up to $1,000.

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.

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.

The executive order is not intended to supersede more comprehensive or inclusive open burning restrictions that have been or may be established by Colorado counties, municipalities and/or other political subdivisions of the state.

(Information courtesy of state of Colorado and El Paso County)