BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. — Fire restrictions return to unincorporated areas of western Boulder County.
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) said Stage 1 fire restrictions go into effect Tuesday, Nov. 30.
>Video above: This is how firefighters are training to fight wildland fires
The restrictions prohibit:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using an open fire, campfire, or stove fire including charcoal barbecues and grills.
- Shooting off fireworks
- Recreational shooting. Hunters with a valid and current hunting license are exempt.
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher kept with the operator and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
- Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
- Parking motorized vehicles in grass or vegetated area that can come in contact with the underside of the vehicle.
People can build fires in permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites including:
- Kelly Dahl Campground
- Rainbow Lakes Campground
- Camp Dick Campground
- Peaceful Valley Campground
- Meeker Park Overflow Campground
- Olive Ridge Campground
- Brainard Lake Recreation Area (Includes Pawnee Campground)
Increasing fire danger, lack of moisture, drought conditions and forecasted above-average temperatures are some of the reasons for the restrictions, according to the sheriff's office.
People who violate the fire ban may be convicted of a class two petty offense and could face up to a $1,000 fine, in addition to possible civil penalties.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado Climate