Douglas County residents are facing tightened restrictions as Sheriff Darren Weekly has transitioned the area to Stage 2 fire restrictions effective immediately, concerns about wildfire risks have prompted this preventive measure, and the public is urged to comply with the new guidelines to ensure community and natural resource safety. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Weekly said, “Out of an abundance of caution, I have decided to move from Stage 1 to Stage 2 fire restrictions, This decision is necessary to protect our community and natural resources." He also emphasized the importance of taking these restrictions seriously to help prevent possible wildfires during this vulnerable period.
With the implementation of Stage 2 restrictions, the following activities are prohibited, there will be no open burning of any kind, no use of fireworks whether they are part of professional displays or personal use, campfires at developed campgrounds and picnic areas are not allowed, neither are fires in chimineas, other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits and the use of model rockets is also banned at this time. However, specific activities are still permitted under these restrictions, including the operation of liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, and grills, supervised residential use of charcoal grills by a responsible adult, and fires contained inside building fireplaces and wood-burning stoves.
Residents who fail to adhere to the Stage 2 fire restrictions may face legal consequences, Sheriff Weekly's office has notified that violating these restrictions is considered a Class-2 Petty Offense, those found in violation could face a fine of up to $1,000.00 and a mandatory surcharge of $10.00, as outlined in the sheriff's official announcement.
