Routt County commissioners have voted unanimously to return to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, effective midnight Thursday, Sept. 10. The order remains in place until rescinded, according to a Wednesday news release.

The order repeals Stage 2 restrictions that had been in place since June 23.

“Fire restrictions are considered only when very high or extreme fire danger exists and is predicted to persist,” the release stated. “This determination is based upon current conditions, long-term weather forecasts and upon the heavy, dry fuel loading which creates the potential for uncontrollable fires.”

The following acts are prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

• All open fires and campfires, except petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices that are underwriter-approved. This includes the building, maintaining, attending or using any fire to burn trash, debris, fence rows, irrigation ditches or vegetation, and any campfire or warming fire.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreational site, or
  while stopped in an area of at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all
  flammable material.
• Operating a chainsaw without a USDA- or SAE-approved spark-arresting device (muffler)
  properly installed and in effective working order, and a chemical pressurized fire
  extinguisher of not less than 8-ounce capacity by weight, and one round-pointed
  shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches. The extinguisher will be with the
  chainsaw operator. The shovel may be kept with the fueling supplies but readily available
  for quick use.
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame; except within an area that
  is barren or cleared of all flammable material at least 10 feet on all sides from the
  equipment.
• Using explosive materials: (i.e. fireworks, blasting caps, exploding targets, or any incendiary
  device, which may result in the ignition of flammable material).
• Any other restriction deemed necessary to preserve health, safety and welfare during
  periods of high fire danger.

The following exemptions are provided in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

• Persons with a valid written permit that specifically authorizes the prohibited act:
  • From the fire protection district chief if subject land is within a fire protection district or
  • Emergency Operations Manager after consultation with the Sheriff if subject land is not within a fire protection district
• Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in
  the performance of an actual duty.
• Recreational fires at private residences with valid permit from a fire protection district chief,
  and permanent fire pits or fire grates in developed picnic grounds and campgrounds.
• Commercially designed and enclosed cooking device located at a private residence used for
  cooking (charcoal, gas/propane, electric or wood pellet).
• Burning of irrigation ditches located within and completely surrounded by irrigated farm
  lands where such burning is necessary for crop survival with proper permit from:
  • Fire protection district chief if subject land is within a fire protection district or
  • Emergency Operations Manager after consultation with the Sheriff if subject land is not within a fire protection district
• Hot-air balloon activities and the use of recreational vehicles that adhere to all safety
  regulations and published ordinances.
• The use of UL-approved liquid-fueled or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.
• Fires required in religious ceremonies where a valid written permit has been granted in
  advance by
  • The fire protection district chief if subject land is within a fire protection district or
  • The Emergency Operations Manager after consultation with the Sheriff if
    subject land is not within a fire protection district

For questions, refer to your district’s fire protection in the list below or call the Routt County Office of Emergency Management at 970-870-5551. Local residents are also encouraged to stay up-to-date on emergencies by signing up at RouttCountyAlerts.com. 

North Routt Fire Protection District – 970-879-6064
Oak Creek Fire Protection District – Kenyon Shephard, 970-736-8104
Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue – Chuck Cerasoli, 970-879-7170
West Routt Fire Protection District – Trevor Guire, 970-276-3511
Yampa Fire Protection District – Machia “Ky” Cox, 970-846-2169