Effective on July 25, temporary fire restrictions will be issued for all areas of unincorporated Jefferson County. These restrictions are intended to reduce the likelihood of human-caused wildfires.

These temporary fire restrictions apply to all lands in unincorporated Jefferson County. These restrictions also include a portion of the Arapaho-Roosevelt Forest located in Jefferson County (off Brook Forest Road.)

The restrictions will be in effect until rescinded by the Jefferson County Sheriff.

While these temporary fire restrictions are in effect, the following activities are strictly prohibited:

-Building, maintaining, attending or using any fire or campfire, except a fire within a permanently constructed fire grate in a developed park, campground, or picnic area.

-Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.

NOTE: Burn permits issued and not executed prior to the effective date of these Temporary Fire Restrictions shall not be authorized unless approved by the issuing agency on the day of execution.

Exemptions approved under these temporary fire restrictions:
-Persons with a valid written permit from the Sheriff or appropriate Fire Authority, which specifically authorizes the prohibited act.
-Any federal, state, or local law enforcement or fire officer acting in the performance of an official duty.
-Any fires contained within liquid fueled or gas fueled stoves. Charcoal grill fires at private residences.
-Campfires or bonfires required in religious ceremonies and for which a valid written permit has been granted in advance by the local fire department or district.

Individuals operating under any of the above exemptions shall take adequate measures to prevent uncontrolled fires. Possible measures include, but are not limited to:
-Containers of adequate water or dry soil nearby.
-Shovels, fire extinguishers, or other extinguishing agents nearby.
-Coordination with the local fire department or district to be on scene or standby during an activity.

Pursuant to County Resolution CC 97-433, violations of these prohibitions, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.00. Such act(s) violate sections 102.8 and 308.2.1 of the International Fire Code.