Chaffee County Sheriff Andy Rohrich has moved Chaffee County out of Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. The county is in Stage 1 restrictions effect today. The U.S. Forest Service and Custer County have also moved to Stage 1 restrictions.
State 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect for Lake, Park, Saguache and Fremont counties.
Here is an overview of Stage 1 Restrictions:
Campfires can be made, but only inside permanent, agency-provided metal or concrete fire grates within developed campgrounds. Rock rings or makeshift fire pits are banned.
Chainsaw use is only permitted if the machine has a spark arrestor is installed and a fire extinguisher and a shovel are on hand. Under Smoking is banned outside of enclosed cars or structures, developed recreational sites, or in barren places that are cleared of all flammable materials and at least three feet in diameter.
Welding, blasting, or operating a blow torch is prohibited under Stage 1 outside of cleared areas ten feet in diameter. Those engaged in these activities must have a fire extinguisher on hand to comply. Most fireworks are always banned in Colorado, but under Stage 1 fire restrictions, explosives of any kind are also prohibited, including fuses, blasting caps, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
Some counties prohibit firing guns under this stage of restrictions, so it’s best to call and ask ahead of time if you plan on target shooting outdoors. Violating Stage 1 restrictions comes with some serious consequences, including a potential $5,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
Current information on the details of any fire banned should be checked with your local sheriff’s office.
