Boulder County sheriff orders outdoor fire ban

BOULDER — Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle ordered an emergency ban on outdoor open burning in the unincorporated areas of the county this morning.

 Pelle's order, which took effect at 10:30 a.m. today, also prohibits the sale and use of fireworks and model rockets in unincorporated Boulder County.

 The ban defines open burning as any outdoor fire, including campfires, warming fires and the burning of forest slash piles.

 The ban does, however, allow: fires contained in liquid or gas fuel stoves; campfires in campgrounds improved or maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, if those campgrounds are currently open to the public; and charcoal grills on private property.

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office also is discouraging smoking except within enclosed motor vehicles or buildings, on a developed recreation site, or when the smoker is stopped in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials for a distance of at least 3 feet in diameter.

Return to top