News Flash

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-July 16, 2020-The City of Steamboat Springs will implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions starting at 8:00am tomorrow, Friday, July 17, 2020, and these restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.

“Dry conditions, warmer than normal temperatures and reduced precipitation have been predominant across the state and the Yampa Valley,” said Chuck Cerasoli, Interim Fire Chief for Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue. “Add in strong winds and increased lightning activity and our fire risks are elevated before even factoring in any human elements.”

The city’s restrictions match Routt County, which announced it was enacting Stage 1 earlier today. In addition, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have been under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the entire Routt National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions certain activities are prohibited, however, the public can still use charcoal fires for cooking (BBQ); may have recreational fires at private residences with a valid permit from Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue; and recreational/camp fires are allowed in permanent fire pits or fire grates in a developed picnic areas or camp grounds. 

“Until conditions improve, we’re asking for everyone’s continued diligence and assistance to reduce the chance of human caused fires,” continued Cerasoli. “As has been the unfortunate case in the past, one spark can get out of hand and grow quickly.”

Further emphasizing the changing conditions, an A Star helicopter and base crew have been pre-positioned at Bob Adams Field-Steamboat Springs Airport. The heli team remains on call to respond to fire activity in the area or across the state. Currently, there are eight wildland fires burning in Colorado.

Please review the Stage I Fire Restrictions for permitted and prohibited activities and contact Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue with questions at 970.879.7170.

-WeServeTheCity-

Contact
Chuck Cerasoli, Interim Fire Chief, 970.879.7170 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email

STAGE ONE RESTRICTIONS:

The following acts are prohibited on all private and state owned lands outside of municipal boundaries.  This does not affect federal lands within Routt County.

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using any fire to burn trash, debris, fence rows, irrigation ditches or vegetation; any campfire, warming fire, or charcoal grill, except in designated campgrounds, picnic areas or developed recreational sites.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreational site, or while stopped in an area of at least (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

3. Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arresting device (muffler) properly installed and in effective working order, and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than eight (8) ounce capacity by weight, and one (1) round pointed shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.  The extinguisher will be with the chainsaw operator.  The shovel may be kept with the fueling supplies but readily available for quick use.

4. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame; except within an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable material at least 10 feet on all sides from the equipment.

5. Using explosives requiring fuses or blasting caps.

Exemptions from Stage One Restrictions:

1. Persons with a valid written permit which specifically authorizes the prohibited act from   (a) the fire protection district chief if subject land is within a fire protection district or (b) the Routt County Emergency Operations Director after consultation with the Routt County Sheriff if subject land is not within a fire protection district.

2. Any federal, state or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an actual duty.

3. Any fires contained within stoves, fireplaces within buildings, charcoal grill fires, recreational fires at private residences with valid permit from district chief, and permanent fire pits or fire grates in developed picnic grounds and camp grounds.

4. Burning of irrigation ditches located within and completely surrounded by irrigated farm lands where such burning is necessary for crop survival with proper permit from:  (a) fire protection district chief if subject land is within a fire protection district; (b) or Routt County Emergency Operations Director after consultation with the Routt County Sheriff if subject land is not within a fire protection district.

5. Hot air balloon activities and the use of UL-approved liquid-fueled or gas fueled “Camp Fire in a Can.”

6. Campfires or bonfires required in religious ceremonies where a specific written permit has been granted in advance by:  (a) the fire protection district chief if subject land is within a fire protection district; or (b) the Routt County Emergency Operations Director after consultation with the Routt County Sheriff if subject land is not within a fire protection district.

Fine Schedule and Penalty Assessment Procedure.  Any person who violated this order commits a class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than six hundred dollars ($600) for each separate offense.  However, the following fine schedule shall apply:

•           First Offense                                                    Not more than $100
•           Second Offense                                               Not more than $200
•           Third or Subsequent Offense                          Maximum fine permitted by law – $1,000 as of March 31, 2013

Should you have any questions, please call your Fire Protection District Chief or the Routt County Office of Emergency Management at (970) 870-5551. Thank you for your cooperation.