Larimer County Extends Fire Restrictions Through September 30
Larimer County officials voted September 2 to extend current fire restrictions in unincorporated areas above 6,000 feet through September 30, citing continued wildfire danger despite recent wet weather.
The Larimer County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the extension following a recommendation from the Larimer County Sheriff. The restrictions, originally implemented August 7, prohibit uncontained open fires, smoking in outdoor areas, fireworks, and welding activities in unincorporated portions of the county above 6,000 feet elevation.
"Even with recent wet weather, the danger of wildfire, forest, and grass fires remains elevated, with above-normal temperatures, lightning strikes, and windy, dry conditions," county officials stated in announcing the extension.
The restrictions represent a continuation of Larimer County's zoned approach to fire management, which divides unincorporated areas into three elevation-based zones: below 6,000 feet, 6,000-9,000 feet, and above 9,000 feet. According to the Colorado Revised Statutes, the Board of Commissioners has legal authority to implement fire restrictions in unincorporated areas following recommendations from the Sheriff or local fire agency chiefs.
Under the current restrictions, residents in affected areas cannot conduct uncontained open fires, smoke outdoors including on trails and in parks, use fireworks or incendiary devices, or perform welding activities. The restrictions also prohibit exploding ammunition, exploding targets, tracer ammunition, and sky lanterns.
Activities that remain permitted include fires in fireplaces or wood stoves inside residences, gas-fueled fires including grills and camping stoves, camping and cooking fires in developed camping areas, and fires in permanently constructed masonry fire pits.
The extension comes as Northern Colorado fire crews have been actively deployed to wildfire incidents across the region. Larimer County Sheriff's Office wildland firefighters returned September 19 after spending two weeks battling the Derby Fire near Eagle, Colorado, which burned 2,625 acres in rugged wilderness terrain.
Larimer County's fire restriction process requires the Board of Commissioners to specify an expiration date not exceeding one year, with extensions requiring the same formal resolution process and evidentiary requirements as initial restrictions. The county's decision matrix evaluates criteria including National Fire Danger Rating System metrics, local weather observations, and input from federal agencies when conditions warrant restrictions.
County records show fire restrictions typically begin in mid to late spring or early summer, often extending through late summer or early fall depending on conditions. Extensions beyond initial deadlines are common when dangerous conditions persist, particularly during years with prolonged drought or active wildfire activity.
Violations of the fire restrictions can result in criminal charges and fines. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office leads enforcement efforts, with potential assistance from local fire protection districts and other law enforcement agencies.
Residents can view a real-time interactive map of restriction areas at https://aegis.larimer.gov/. The county's fire restriction ordinance and detailed definitions of prohibited and permitted activities are available on the Larimer County website.
The restrictions apply only to unincorporated Larimer County areas above 6,000 feet elevation. Incorporated cities and towns may implement their own fire restrictions or opt into county enforcement provisions through local ordinance or resolution.