Larimer County has extended fire restrictions across all unincorporated areas of the county through 11:59 p.m. Sept. 8, citing continued drought, above-normal temperatures and dry, windy conditions that have kept the risk of grass and wildland fires elevated.
The Larimer County commissioners voted Tuesday, July 21, to approve the extension following a recommendation from the Larimer County Sheriff. The restrictions were initially adopted in May and apply throughout the county’s unincorporated areas. County officials said the extension is intended to reduce the chance that outdoor flames, sparks or combustible equipment could ignite a grass or wildland fire during the remaining summer months.
The order does not directly apply within incorporated Johnstown, where municipal rules remain in effect. However, it may affect residents who have a Johnstown mailing address but live outside the town limits in unincorporated Larimer County. It also applies when Johnstown residents visit county-managed recreation areas, trails, campgrounds and other unincorporated locations west of town.
Because jurisdictional boundaries are not always obvious, residents should confirm the rules for their destination before grilling, camping or starting any type of outdoor fire. Restrictions can differ between Larimer County, individual municipalities, fire protection districts and state or federal lands.
Under the county order, charcoal, pellet and wood-burning grills or stoves are prohibited outdoors. Contained and uncontained open fires are also banned, including fires in permanently installed outdoor masonry or metal fireplaces. Outdoor smoking is prohibited on trails and in parks and open spaces, and certain combustible devices are restricted. Engines without properly installed and functioning spark arrestors may also be prohibited.
Gas and liquid-fueled grills and camping stoves remain allowed. Fireplaces and wood stoves located inside residences are also permitted, along with authorized burns conducted under valid permits or for approved forest-management purposes.
The restrictions will remain in place through Labor Day weekend and much of the remaining summer recreation season. For Johnstown residents, the extension means a backyard activity that may be allowed inside town limits could still be prohibited at a nearby campground, trailhead or property in unincorporated Larimer County.
Residents planning outdoor activities should review Larimer County’s current fire-restriction information before traveling. Violations of the restrictions may result in fines.
