Colorado Burn Ban Definitions
STAGE I:
The following acts are prohibited until further notice:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, coal or wood burning stove, any type of charcoal fueled broiler or open fire of any type in undeveloped areas.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable vegetation.
- Using explosive material: (i.e.: fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device which may result in the ignition of flammable material.)
- Welding, or operating an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame.
- Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either:
STAGE II:
The following acts are prohibited until further notice:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, coal or wood burning stove, any type of charcoal fueled broiler or open fire of any type.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Using explosive material: (i.e.: fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device which may result in the ignition of flammable material.)
- Welding, or operating an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame.
- Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either:
- Operating a chainsaw without a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one size 0 or larger round pointed shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches. The extinguisher shall be with the chainsaw operator. The shovel may be kept with the fueling supplies but readily available.
Other possible restricted acts under Stage II:
- Operating a motorized vehicle off designated roads and trails. Operating a chainsaw outside the hours of 5 a.m. and 11 a.m.
- Overnight camping limited to listed campgrounds and recreation sites. (An attachment of designated sites would be included)
- Mechanical stoves and appliances fueled by bottled or liquid gas which allow the operator to control and extinguish the flame with a valve are permitted provided that such devices are approved by Underwriters Laboratory Inc.
- Owners or lessees of land in the restricted area. Residents in the restricted area.
STAGE III
Stage III fire restrictions involve closure of public lands. Evaluation guidelines are reviewed to determine threshold levels that substantiate the need for closures. Examples include:
- Potential loss of life due to explosive fire conditions.
- Potential for extreme or blowup fire behavior.
- Stage II or Stage III restrictions are not effective in reducing the number of human-caused fires.
- Resources across the geographic area are at a critical shortage level.
- Proximity to substantial population centers.
- The extent of wild land urban interface.
Possible Exemptions for Stages I & II
- Persons with a written permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
- Fires in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
- Mechanical stoves and appliances fueled by bottled or liquid gas which allow the operator to control or extinguish the flame with a valve are permitted provided that such devices are approved by Underwriters Laboratory Inc.
- Owners or lessees of land in the restricted area.
- Residents in the restricted area.
