More Fire Restrictions Imposed In Dry Western Colorado

As wildfires continue to burn across the state, more fire restrictions have been imposed in western Colorado.

On Friday, we saw Mesa County enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as it typically does this time of year. Basically, the restrictions prohibit the use of personal fireworks and put limits on campfires, open burning, and outdoor smoking.

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We are seeing other fire restrictions also being implemented in western Colorado including the town of Hotchkiss and unincorporated areas of Montrose County.

Fire Restrictions in Hotchkiss

The town of Hotchkiss has implemented Stage 1 restrictions that will be in place until further notice. The restrictions are fairly similar to what has been imposed in Mesa County. The following activities are now prohibited by the restrictions.

• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, coal, or wood-burning stove any type of charcoal fueled broiler, or open fire in undeveloped areas
• Smoking, except within enclosed building or vehicle, or in a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable vegetation
• Using explosive materials - a.k.a. personal fireworks
• Welding or operating an acetylene or other similar torch with an open flame
• Operating or using any internal combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed
• Agricultural burning of any type

Fire Restrictions in Montrose County

The same restrictions were implemented Monday in Montrose County but apply only to unincorporated areas of the county. According to the Montrose County Sheriff's Office, the restrictions do not apply to the city of Montrose, or the towns of Olathe, Naturita, and Nucla.

Penalties For Violations

Violators of the fire restrictions could face fines ranging from $100 to $500. If a human-caused fire causes damage, additional criminal charges may apply.