STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-June 22, 2021-The City of Steamboat Springs will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 12:00pm on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, which will remain in effect until rescinded or expanded. The city’s restrictions match Routt County which also moved to Stage 2 today.
“We’re facing a very imminent danger this summer as evident by extreme drought conditions, a continued hot and dry weather pattern and several fires already burning in the region including the Muddy Slide Fire which ignited Sunday,” commented Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue Fire Chief Chuck Cerasoli. “It will take a community commitment from all of us to follow these restrictions and do everything we can to reduce human caused wildfires.”
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibits all open fires and campfires, explosive use, as well as welding and cutting torch devices. Smoking is allowed in a vehicle or indoors. In addition, all chainsaws and other internal combustion engines, including motorcycles and ATVs, must have spark arresting devices that are property installed and in working order. No fireworks of any variety. Unlike earlier restrictions, individuals with recreational burn permits from Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) for fire pits at private residences are prohibited from burning under Stage 2, as well as the use of open charcoal grills.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Yampa Valley until 9pm Tuesday evening and will continue to issue Red Flag/Fire Weather warnings for the area throughout the season. A Red Flag Warning means conditions will be favorable for easy ignition and rapid spread of fires due to low relative humidity and strong gusts. Four fires, Oil Springs (7,183 acres), West (3,300 acres), Sylvan (2,630 acres) and Muddy Slide (150+ acres) are currently burning in the northwestern portion of the state.
Agricultural, businesses and other entities within city limits and in the Steamboat Springs Area Fire District that require work which involves prohibited activities under Stage 2, must obtain an exemption from Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue, 970.879.7170. Within Routt County and outside of the fire district, individuals must contact the Emergency Management Office.
Two projects are working with SSFR to finish work this week with enhanced safety parameters. On Wednesday and Thursday, the gas project on Anglers will be conducting a flare off, where the new gas line is tied into the network and the remaining air is vented out. The Fire Marshall has inspected the work areas and a SSFR Type I Engine and crew will be required to be on site. Work will take place on both days at the River Rd Station along the Yampa River between Tree Haus/Brooklyn and on Thursday behind McDonalds.
Additionally, the gas line project on 13th Street has also been issued a special permit for welding work for the remainder of the week. As part of the permit, hot work may only be conducted during the early morning and afternoon and a SSFR Type 6 Brush Truck and crew must be on scene.
The community moved to Stage 2 last summer and again in 2018. 2020 saw the three largest wildfires in Colorado history occur as well as the Middle Fork fire (20,433 acres) in Routt County and 2018 again hit close to home with the Silver Creek fire northwest of Kremmling and Divide fire in Moffat County, which combined for nearly 40,000 acres.
Please review the Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for permitted and prohibited activities and contact Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue with questions, 970.879.7170. In addition, sign up for Routt County Emergency Alerts so you can be contacted when minutes matters during an emergency.
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Contact
Chuck Cerasoli, Fire Chief, 970.879.7170 or email
Travis Wilkinson, Deputy Fire Chief, 970.879.7170 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email