STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-March 25, 2021-As the snow continues to melt, the Open Burn Season for the Steamboat Springs Fire Protection District is also coming to an end. The Open Burn period runs each year from November 1 through April 15 but could close earlier if there is less than six inches of snow on the ground.
“We’re well into melt off and some areas have already dried out significantly,” commented Chuck Cerasoli, Fire Chief for Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue. “After last year’s active fire season, it’s imperative that all the criteria be meet before igniting your open burn and for some locations that window may have already passed.”
At this time, open burns should only be conducted that are essential to either: ditch burning in conjunction with irrigation, weed control and production of crop; or, reduction of currently permitted slash piles to assist in wildland fire mitigations plans.
The following parameters must be met prior to any open burn:
- Contact Routt County Environmental Health at 970.870.5588 prior to open burn for a permit.
- Burn piles must be less than 10’x10’x10’ and be devoid of any trash or materials more suited for the landfill.
- There must be 6 inches or more of snow on the ground at and around the burn site.
- Burning must be started prior to 11am, always monitored and be out by sunset.
- Call Routt County Communications prior to starting the burn at 970.879.1110
“Please use extreme caution during any open burn and consider alternatives before open burning for materials through recycling, reusing or disposal at a landfill,” stressed Cerasoli. “As we’ve seen it only takes a spark for something to grow out of control quickly, so think twice before igniting an open burn in these last few weeks.”
Always observe fire safety guidelines and check the National Weather service Fire Weather pages for local fire weather forecasts: http://www.weather.gov/bou/fire. For additional questions, contact Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue at 970.879.7170.
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Contact
Chuck Cerasoli, Fire Chief, 970.879.7170 or email
Doug Shaffer, Fire Marshal, 970.879.7170 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email