With wildfires continuing to pose a significant threat across the state, Boulder County officials are taking preemptive steps by enacting Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson announced the restrictions, which will begin at 12:01 a.m. on August 12, encompassing unincorporated areas of western Boulder County. The initiative is in response to growing concerns over the potential for fires, exacerbated by the current lack of moisture and predictions of high temperatures.
Under these restrictions, residents and visitors will need to curtail activities that could potentially lead to wildfires. Certain types of fires, including campfires and stove fires, will now be heavily regulated on public lands. Moreover, the restrictions are aimed to rigorously limit, if not fully prohibit, the use of fireworks, recreational shooting, smoking outside enclosed areas, and the operation of certain gas-powered equipment, as detailed by Boulder County.
Violating these guidelines could result in stiff penalties. As stated by Boulder County, a first offense might lead to a civil infraction and a $500 fine, with the potential for escalated fines for repeat offenses. These sanctions intend to strongly discourage any behavior that could potentially lead to a wildfire during this period of heightened danger. The specific areas affected by these restrictions include all unincorporated regions west of CO Highway 93, Broadway Avenue in the City of Boulder up to US Highway 36, and the Rabbit Mountain Open Space, among other areas. A complete list can be found in the official announcement.
However, there are certain exceptions within these restrictions. Devices powered by gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel will still be allowable, provided they are used with appropriate safety measures. Additionally, certain recreational sites within Boulder County, including Kelly Dahl Campground and Meeker Park Campground, continue to allow fires in constructed, permanent fire pits or grates per USFS policies. The Boulder County website provides further information on sites that are exempt from the restrictions and recommendations for safe fire usage in these areas.
