The Routt County commissioners have unanimously voted to enact Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, effective midnight on Thursday, June 18 until rescinded, according to a statement released on Tuesday.

The move is pursuant to the new ordinance passed by commissioners last week, which prohibits open fires in unincorporated parts of the county during periods of high fire danger.

“Federal, state and local partners throughout the region study and discuss weekly several factors to determine when restrictions are recommended or necessary, such as moisture content of the fuels, current and forecasted weather conditions, and availability of suppression resources throughout the region,” explained Routt County Emergency Manager Mo DeMorat in the statement. 

“These factors and the associated criteria that are measured provide a scientific and accurate process for determining when fire restrictions are necessary,” DeMorat continued. “Agencies around the region are working together to present a cohesive, coordinated approach to the implementation of fire restrictions, ensuring consistency across federal, state, county and other unincorporated lands.”

“Routt County jumped from meeting three criteria last week to meeting six of the eight criteria this week — we definitely recommend that we go into Stage 1 restrictions,” said Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar in the statement. “We anticipate conditions will warrant Stage 2 restrictions as early as next week.” 

The restrictions will remain in effect until officials determine that conditions have changed sufficiently to mitigate the risk of a human-caused wildfire. 

The following acts are prohibited under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions:

1. 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 of any fire to burn trash, debris, fence rows, irrigation ditches or vegetation and any campfire or warming fire. 
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Using explosive materials (i.e. fireworks, blasting caps, exploding targets, or any incendiary device which may result in the ignition of flammable material).
6. 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:

1. Persons with a valid written permit that specifically authorizes the prohibited act:
   1. From the fire protection district chief if subject land is within a fire protection district; or 
   2. From the emergency operations manager after consultation with the sheriff if subject land is not within a fire protection district.
2. Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an actual duty.
3. Recreational fires at private residences with a valid permit from a fire protection district chief, and permanent fire pits or fire grates in developed picnic grounds and campgrounds.
4. Commercially designed and enclosed cooking device located at a private residence used for cooking (charcoal, gas/propane, electric or wood pellet).
5. 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:
   1. From the fire protection district chief if subject land is within a fire protection district; or
   2. From the emergency operations manager after consultation with the sheriff if subject land is not within a fire protection district.
6. Hot air balloon activities and the use of recreational vehicles that adhere to all safety regulations and published ordinances.
7. The use of UL-approved liquid-fueled or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.
8. Fires required in religious ceremonies where a valid written permit has been granted in advance by:
   1. The fire protection district chief if subject land is within a fire protection district; or 
   2. The emergency operations manager after consultation with the sheriff if subject land is not within a fire protection district.

Fire restriction violations may result in a civil infraction and a $100 fine, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.

For questions, refer to your district’s fire protection chief 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 – Matt Mathisen, 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