Fire restrictions reduced to stage 1
Fire restrictions removed in unincorporated Douglas County
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office lifted the temporary fire restriction order for all areas of unincorporated Douglas County, yet will continue to closely monitor the fire danger in the County and make appropriate adjustments.
Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have reduced the danger of wildfire, however, the Sheriff encourages individuals to be vigilant, as the danger of fire is always present.
While many individuals will continue to enjoy the mountains and parks through the remainder of the season, they should be reminded to use caution when starting and extinguishing campfires, disposing of lighted cigarettes, and other activities that involve the use of fire or sparks as warm and windy days can quickly lower the fuel moisture content of trees and grasses, making them susceptible to ignition.
Information provided by DCSO
By order of Sheriff David A. Weaver, stage 1 fire restrictions are now back in place. The ordinance restricts open fires, open burning, and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
Prohibited activities include open burning of any kind and the use of fireworks. Allowable activities include fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fireplaces within buildings, charcoal grill fires within developed residential or commercial areas, fires within wood burning stoves within buildings only, small recreational fires at developed picnic or campground sites contained in fixed permanent metal/steel fire pits (rock fire rings are considered temporary and not permanent) with flame lengths not in excess of four feet, the residential use of charcoal grills, tiki torches, fires in chimineas or other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits, so long as said fires are supervised by a responsible person at least 18 years of age.
Violation of these fire restrictions is a class-2 petty offense, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and a $10 surcharge.
For more information on fire restrictions, visit www.dcsheriff.net/emergencymanagement/fire-restrictions/.
