On September 3, 2024, Sheriff Curtis Johnson enacted Stage 1 fire restrictions for all areas of unincorporated western Boulder County, including all areas of Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District.
Note that on Red Flag Warning days, Stage 2 restrictions are in effect. Information about Stage 2 restrictions is available here: www.bmfpd.org/bmfpds-blog/2024/9/3/stage-2-fire-restrictions-whats-prohibited-and-whats-allowed
Stage 1 fire restrictions PROHIBIT:
Building, maintaining, attending, or using an open fire, campfire, or stove fire (including charcoal barbecues and grills) on public land.
Fireworks sales, use, and possession, including permissible fireworks.
Shooting or discharge of firearms for recreational purposes except for hunting with a valid and current hunting license on public lands.
Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Operating a chainsaw or other outdoor gas-powered equipment without a USDA- or SAE-approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher kept with the operator, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
Using an explosive or doing any kind of blasting work.
Parking motorized vehicles in grass or a vegetated area that can come in contact with the underside of the vehicle.
Stage 1 fire restrictions ALLOW:
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates, within developed recreation sites and on private lands.
The use of portable stoves; lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel; or a fully enclosed (sheepherder-type) stove with a 1/4" spark arrester-type screen.
Anyone found in violation of the fire ban may be convicted of a class two petty offense and may be subject to a $500 fine, in addition to any possible civil penalties. Higher fines may be imposed for subsequent offenses.
For current fire, shooting and developed recreation site restrictions and seasonal closures for United States Forest Service properties, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=57718