It’s one of the driest summers ever, and burn bans are being put in place all across Colorado. 

The statewide ban on open burning took effect on June 14. Open burning includes the use of fireworks, campfires that are not in permanent fire pits or grates, and charcoal fires in grills not at private residences.

Colorado counties may put stricter restrictions in place, and several have already done so. El Paso County has put in place Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for unincorporated areas. This bans the sale of fireworks in addition to the measures already present in the statewide ban. Fire Marshal Jim Reid said firefighting resources in the area are stretched because local departments are also helping with fires in Wyoming, Larimer and Park counties.

“We’re just as dry as anywhere else,” Reid said.

In Colorado Springs, fire restricitons prohibit bonfires and recreational fires and require cigarettes and anything similar to be disposed of in a noncombustible container.

Teller County has been under a Stage 1 Fire Ban since June 14 prohibiting fireworks. The sale of fireworks was already banned in Teller County. Teller’s Stage 1 ban also prohibits burning anything that is not in an outdoor fireplace or permanent fire ring.

Last week, the Pike and San Isabel National Forests also implemented fire and smoking restrictions that limit campfires to established campgrounds – that is, named campgrounds where you pay a fee and there is a restroom present. Even within these areas, the Forest Service asks campers to be careful.

“Be sure that the fire is dead out, because we wouldn’t want the high winds we’re experiencing to fan that flame again. That helps protect all of us,” said Barb Timock, Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Forest Service.

If you’re heading to the high country, make sure to check local restrictions, which have been ramping up across Colorado.

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Contact Lauren Fellers: 636-0198.

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