Fairplay, CO – Residents across Park County are facing new fire restrictions today as a county-wide Stage 1 burn ban officially took effect at 12 p.m. Wednesday. Local officials say the move is meant to reduce wildfire risk amid dry conditions entering late November.
According to the Park County Sheriff’s Office, the ban applies to all public and private property within county limits until further notice. The order prohibits open burning of any kind, including campfires, burn pits, and recreational flames except in designated Forest Service camp hosts’ areas. Recreational shooting is also restricted throughout the county, including Forest Service lands.
The sheriff’s office emphasized several specific bans:
– No outdoor welding or grinding without a pressurized water source and a fire extinguisher.
– No use of tracer rounds, Tannerite, or exploding targets.
– No chainsaw operation without a water source and extinguisher on hand.
– No smoking outside a vehicle, building, or developed recreation area unless in a cleared area free of flammable materials.
Permitted activities include gas-powered stoves, manufactured fireplaces, approved wood-burning stoves, and activities authorized in writing by a district fire chief. Firefighting agencies performing official duties are also exempt.
The order also notes that shooting on private property remains allowed only when performed safely and without tracer or explosive ammunition. Safe target shooting practices must be followed at all times, the sheriff said.
Citations for violating County Ordinance 21-04 will range from $500 to $1,000, according to the sheriff’s office. The burn ban will remain in place until conditions improve.
This story will be updated should Park County officials release additional guidance.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
