Hot, dry weather spurs county fire ban

Larimer County Commissioners put a fire ban in place on July 21, following days of high temperatures and several forest fires caused by lightning strikes.

Their resolution restricts open burning and fireworks in the unincorporated areas in Larimer County. These restrictions will run through Sept. 19. Contained open fires are not restricted at this time.

For citizens, this means they cannot conduct any open burning such as camp and cooking fires, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. They also may not smoke in an unprotected, flammable or open area.

Citizens can have fires in camp stoves or grills fueled by bottled gas or pressurized liquid. Fires in commercially operated wood or charcoal-fired grills are allowed. Citizens can also have fires in permanently constructed stationary masonry or metal fireplaces.

Smoking must be conducted within an enclosed vehicle or within an area clear of all flammable material, and cigarette stubs must be put in the vehicle or a trash receptacle.

The Larimer County Sheriff can exempt open fires and fireworks under a process outlined in the county's fire restriction ordinance (www.larimer.org/policies/fire_ban_ordinance.pdf). Irrigation ditch burning is allowed with written approval from the county sheriff.

"Considering the heat and lack of moisture, it's time," said Commissioner Karen Wagner. "The sheriff, commissioners, Forest Service, Park Service, everyone - we're all on the same page. We know that lightning doesn't acknowledge fire restrictions, but there are things we can do and this should help."

Since mid-July, firefighters have battled five fires on Forest Service land. The largest, the North Bald Mountain Fire southwest of Red Feather Lakes, grew to an estimated 45 acres before it was contained. The Lost Lake Fire, northeast of Red Feather Lakes, was controlled at 2 acres on July 20. The three other fires broke out west of Loveland.

In all cases, Forest Service, Larimer County and volunteer fire departments aggressively battled the fires. A helicopter crashed at the Drake Fire west of Loveland on July 19. The pilot received minor injuries.