Fire Restrictions

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions create a high risk for rapid wildfire growth. These warnings mean that if a fire starts, it can spread quickly and become difficult to control.

What Triggers a Red Flag Warning?

Red Flag Warnings are typically issued when a combination of the following occurs:

• Strong winds

• Low humidity (dry air)

• Warm temperatures

• Dry vegetation (fuels)

What This Means for You

During a Red Flag Warning:

• Outdoor burning is not allowed (including campfires, slash burns, and agricultural burns)

• Activities that can spark fires should be avoided, such as using equipment that produces sparks

• Fires can start easily and spread rapidly

• Emergency responders may be on heightened alert

How to Stay Safe

• Avoid any activity that could create a spark

• Properly dispose of cigarettes

• Do not park vehicles on dry grass

• Follow all local fire restrictions

• Stay alert and be ready to act if conditions change

FIRES RESTRICTED: Fires are prohibited except in the following cases:

• In designated fire grates at developed recreation sites.

• In permanent fire pits or fire rings at private residences that are enclosed in steel or concrete.

• In devices that can be turned on and off with a valve, such as gas grills or natural gas/propane fire pits and fireplaces.

FIREWORKS PROHIBITED: Possessing, discharging, or using fireworks or other devices creating fire, smoke, or sparks is prohibited.

SMOKING PROHIBITED: Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or an outdoor urban area free of flammable materials.

SPARK_PRODUCING DEVICES RESTRICTED: Welding equipment, torches, and engines without spark arresters may only be used when:

• Operated in a cleared area free of flammable materials, and a fire extinguisher is readily available.

• Commercial operators may apply for an exemption permit with your local fire district. 

FIRES PROHIBITED: No Open Fires: Open fires of any kind are prohibited. This includes: Campfires, Charcoal grills, Pellet grills or smokers, Wood-burning stoves, Open flame grills and Fires in developed recreation sites, campgrounds, and on private property

Devices that can be turned on and off with a valve, such as propane or natural gas grills, stoves, and lanterns, are permitted only when used at least ten feet away from flammable materials such as grass, leaves, or pine needles.

FIREWORKS PROHIBITED: Possessing, discharging, or using fireworks or other devices creating fire, smoke, or sparks is prohibited.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING PROHIBITED: Driving or parking vehicles in fields or other vegetated areas is prohibited, except in areas cleared of vegetation.

SMOKING PROHIBITED: Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or an outdoor urban area free of flammable materials.

SPARK_PRODUCING DEVICES RESTRICTED: Operation of equipment powered by internal combustion engines (such as chainsaws, grinders, or generators) is prohibited unless the equipment is equipped with a spark arrester, it is operated in an area cleared of vegetation and a fire extinguisher is readily available.

WELDING AND TORCH USE PROHIBITED: Wielding or using torch engines are prohibited. Exemption permits for commercial activity can be obtained on pitkinemergency.org.

Stage III – Forest Closure

Area Closure:

• National Forest System lands, Colorado State lands, and Pitkin County Open Space lands are closed to all entry, except for specific exceptions.

Open Fires:

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using any open fire, including campfires, is prohibited.  

Smoking:

• Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building or in designated smoking areas. 

Fireworks: 

• The use of fireworks, including professional displays, is prohibited. 

Other Prohibited Activities:

Depending on the specific agency and area, Stage 3 restrictions may also prohibit the use of certain internal combustion engines, chainsaws, welding, or other activities that could pose a fire hazard.