Amid rising concerns over potential wildfires, Douglas County has initiated Stage 1 Fire Restrictions across the region, effective as of Friday, August 8. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, these measures aim to mitigate the risk of fires and promote public safety in the face of increased fire danger conditions. The restrictions come at a time when the county is experiencing drier and warmer weather, elevating the possibility of wildfire ignition.
Under the new restrictions, residents and visitors within Douglas County are prohibited from engaging in open burning of any kind, using fireworks, or operating model rockets. The county’s decision underscores the gravity of the fire hazard situation, ensuring that the populous refrains from activities that could likely initiate a wildfire. A detailed list of restricted and permissible activities can be found on the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office website.
However, the imposed restrictions do allow for certain fire-related activities. Permitted uses include fires in liquid or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings, and charcoal grill fires in developed residential or commercial areas. Professional firework displays may proceed if compliant with Colorado Revised Statutes, and fire department training or suppression exercises are not affected. In addition, small recreational fires are permitted within permanent fixtures at designated picnic or campground sites, underscoring a degree of normalcy and recreational opportunity even amid the restrictions…