Hot, dry conditions lead to imposition of fire restrictions

Castle Rock is surrounded by wildlands, which are picturesque but also can be a fire hazard during the hot, dry conditions that recently have persisted here.

It's important to mitigate the threat of wildfires, which is why Town Council on Tuesday, Aug. 5, granted the Town Manager and Fire Chief the immediate authority to impose fire restrictions. With this authority, the Town now has set Stage 1 restrictions in place.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, there shall be no:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire without a permit
• Smoking, unless in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of flammable material
• Welding or operating torches with an open flame in outdoor areas without a permit
• Using internal or external combustion engines without a spark-arresting device

Allowed while Stage 1 restrictions are in place are smoking on private property; fires with permits; and the use of gas grills and small recreational fires - including fires in fire pits at developed picnic or campground sites; in charcoal grills; and in patio fire pits - as long as supervised by a responsible person at least 21 years old.

The Town Manager or Fire Chief also can declare Stage 2 restrictions if conditions warrant.

Stage 2 restrictions include all Stage 1 restrictions as well as these additional restrictions:

• No open burning of any kind
• No use and sale of fireworks (if in effect on or around the Fourth of July)
• No use of charcoal grills and fires in chimneys, portable fireplaces or patio fire pits
• No campfires at developed campgrounds or picnic areas

Under Stage 2 restrictions, cooking on gas stoves or grills still is allowed.

People found to be in violation of the restrictions are subject to punishment of a $1,000 fine, 180 days in jail or both.