(for the original story click here:
http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/news/news_item_np_T9_R1930.htm)
Effective on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 9 a.m., a fire ban has been
implemented for all areas of unincorporated Jefferson County. These
restrictions are intended to reduce the likelihood of human-caused
wildfires.
This temporary fire ban supersedes all previous fire restrictions and fire
bans. This order applies to all lands in unincorporated Jefferson County,
to include all federal lands.
Because of continuing high fire danger conditions in Jefferson County, the
following activities are strictly prohibited:
1. Anything which produces an open flame or has the potential to create an
uncontrolled fire.
2. Building, maintaining, attending or using any fire to burn trash,
debris, fence rows or vegetation, or any campfire or warming fire.
3. Use of charcoal or other open fires on any public or private lands.
4. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or while stopped
in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of
all combustible material.
5. Operating a chain saw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arresting
device properly installed and in effective working order, and having a
chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than eight (8) ounces
capacity by weight, and possessing one large size pointed shovel with an
overall length of at least thirty-six (36) inches. The extinguisher shall
be with the chain saw operator. The shovel may be kept with the fueling
supplies, but readily available for quick use.
6. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame,
except within an area that is barren or cleared of all combustible material
at least ten feet on all sides from the equipment.
7. Use of an explosive initiation system requiring a burning fuse line.
8. Permissible fireworks, as defined by Colorado Revised Statutes,
12-28-101.
Exemptions to this temporary fire ban are listed below:
>> Persons with a valid written permit from the Sheriff and/or the local
fire department which specifically authorizes the prohibited act.
>> Any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer, or member of an
organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official
duty.
>> Any fires contained within liquid fueled or gas fueled stoves.
NOTE: Burn permits issued and not executed prior to the effective date of
this temporary fire ban shall not be authorized unless one of the
exemptions listed above applies.
Exemptions to this temporary fire ban shall be granted within non-federal
land only by the Sheriff, and/or the local fire department only if the
proposed action is deemed by the Sheriff and/or the local fire department
or district to be safe and mitigable.
Individuals operating under any of the above exemptions shall take adequate
measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Possible measures include, but are
not limited to:
>> Containers of adequate water or dry soil nearby.
>> Shovels, fire extinguishers, or other extinguishing agents nearby.
>> Coordination with the local fire department or district to be on scene
or standby during the activity.
Pursuant to County Resolution CC 97-433, violations of these prohibitions,
upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.00. Such
act(s) violate section(s) 102.8 and 308.2.1 of the International Fire Code.
This temporary fire ban becomes effective at 9 a.m. on September 14, 2010,
and shall remain in effect until superseded or rescinded.
