Fire Restrictions To Increase In Jefferson County

JEFFERSON COUNTY – As hot, dry weather heats the area and the 4th of July approaches, the danger of fire in Jefferson County is higher than ever. Banning unnecessary open flames in the county is one way to try to keep wildfires to a minimum.

So, JeffCo Sheriff Jeff Shrader has bumped up the fire restrictions, starting June 28 at 8 a.m. The county is already on "Stage 1" fire restrictions which limit campfires, fireworks and outdoor smoking on private and public property. Stage 2 restrictions include a ban on any kind of campfire, outdoor smoking, permitted bonfires, fireworks, shooting tracer rounds or explosive ammunition on a gun range and using spark-causing power tools such as chain saws or welding guns.

Gas fueled grills or lamps and approved wood pellet grills are exempt from the ban.

Already JeffCo Open Space has announced a complete ban on open fires within the parkland barriers, with a $200 fine.

" The warmer and drier conditions that are forecast are expected to elevate the [already] high fire danger rating," a statement from the sheriff's office said. "In addition, the overall trend of hot and dry weather is expected to continue into next week."

Local JeffCo firefighters have already put out fires on parkland in Evergreen, Conifer and Genessee Park so far this summer.

Feel the urge to light off fireworks? Leave the pyromania to the pyrotechnic pros by attending the Golden July 4th fireworks celebration at Lions Park. All fireworks are illegal in Golden, even sparklers and bottle rockets.

Related: Golden July 4th Fireworks, Music And More: 2018 Guide

Image via WestMetroFire