La Plata County Commissioners Enact Fire Restrictions

   Due to the extremely dry conditions in La Plata County and the serious threat of fire danger that these conditions impose, the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners today enacted restrictions on open burning in areas of La Plata County that are south of U.S. Highway 160. The fire restrictions, which are effective immediately, prohibit open burning, burn barrels and agricultural burning on private property in the unincorporated areas of La Plata County located south of Highway 160 and on property owned by La Plata County.  The use of a campfire, coal or wood-burning stove, any type of charcoal grill or open fire in any undeveloped area is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires in suitable containers or gas grills for barbeques at private residences or fires within designated campground pits with protective grates; however, residents and visitors alike are encouraged not to leave these fires unattended and to fully and carefully extinguish them after use. 

   The fire restrictions also apply to welding and cutting operations, which are allowed with certain safety requirements.  In addition:

• Use of explosive material is prohibited;
• Use of any internal combustion engine is prohibited unless it is equipped with an approved and   functioning spark-arresting device;
• Smoking is limited to vehicles, buildings, developed recreational areas and 3-foot-wide areas cleared of vegetation; 
• Flaring for production wells may be allowed with approval from the designated fire chief; and
• Flaring activities at established refineries are exempted from these restrictions.

   For specific information about the fire restrictions, individuals should contact their local fire department.   A violation of the fire restrictions shall constitute a class 2 petty offense punishable by a fine of up to $300 for each violation. 

   The fire restrictions were enacted by the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners upon the recommendation of Sheriff Duke Schirard and the chiefs of the local fire districts.   Under the restrictions, the Sheriff and/or local fire chiefs may request that the restrictions on open burning be removed from all or part of their respective jurisdictions, if deemed appropriate by the Sheriff or chief.  In addition, the fire restrictions provide that the Sheriff or fire chief may grant permission to allow an open fire upon request, provided that it is proved to their satisfaction that such an exception does not constitute a high danger of forest or grass fires.

   The fire restrictions will remain in effect until such time as the threat of fire danger in La Plata County has reduced significantly, as determined by the Sheriff, local fire chiefs and/or County Director of Emergency Management.

(Note: Here is a copy of the Board’s resolution.)

*******