Fire restrictions in Teller County have been rescinded from Stage 3 to Stage 2 Wednesday.
The Teller County Sheriff announced the change late Wednesday afternoon. Although wildfire conditions have improved, existing dry conditions throughout the region leave the county vulnerable to possible wildfires.
The change is an open burn ban on private and public lands in Teller County. According to the sheriff’s office, the open burn ban applies to any outdoor fire, including but not limited to campfires, warming fires, charcoal fires, all outdoor welding and cutting activities with an open flame, all explosives, firing of model rockets, use of fireworks, and the prescribed burning of fence rows, fields, wildlands, trash and debris.
This does not apply to commercial fireworks within city limits.
The Stage 2 Burn Ban does not restrict the use of gas, liquid or propane barbecues, gas stoves or lanterns that are at least 10 feet away from combustible walls or roofs, or other combustible materials and are not left unattended.
According to the sheriff’s office, the current ban does not restrict the use of chainsaws with approved fire extinguishment equipment available, the use of fireplaces within buildings within Teller County, the use of fused explosives on designated mining property or by special permit issued by the Sheriff.
Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles or outside areas consisting of hard surfaces that are at least 10 feet away from combustible walls or roofs, or other combustible materials.
The burning of irrigation ditches in the county is prohibited under this order except for ditches located within and completely surrounded by irrigated farmlands where such burning is necessary for crop survival.
Lastly, the burning of rubbish is prohibited in Teller County at any time. Rubbish includes paper, garbage, trash, useless waste, rejected or unused matter, organic or inorganic refuse, rejected or waste foods, offal, and tires.
This order shall remain in effect until otherwise notified.
