Open burning,
private use of fireworks banned in Colorado
DENVER — Thursday, June 14, 2012 — Gov. John
Hickenlooper today signed an Executive Order that bans open burning and private
use of fireworks throughout Colorado because of very dry conditions and high
fire danger.
The ban does not apply to campfires in constructed, permanent
fire pits or fire grates within developed camp and picnic grounds or recreation
sites; liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves; fireplaces contained within
buildings; charcoal grills at private residences; or specific prescribed or
controlled burns for agricultural or irrigation purposes.
Commercial, professional and municipal fireworks displays are
allowed when written approval has been granted by the sheriff of the county in
which the fireworks display is to occur.
“We can’t completely eliminate the threat of wildfire because
there’s no way to control Mother Nature,” Hickenlooper said. “But we can take
steps to reduce the risks of more wildfires starting. This ban is a necessary
step to help protect people, property and the beautiful state we live in.”
Most Colorado counties have already adopted fire bans. At least
44 of the state’s 64 counties are now listed with “high,” “very high” or
“extreme” wildfire danger. The wildfire danger and individual restrictions for
every Colorado county can be found at www.colorado.gov.
The governor’s Executive Order is not intended to supersede more
comprehensive or inclusive open burning restrictions that have been or may be
established by Colorado counties, municipalities and/or other political
subdivisions of the state. Where permitted by law, counties and other local
governments may ban any or all of the open burning exemptions listed in the
order when local officials determine that a more restrictive ban is appropriate
and warranted given fire danger conditions in their localities.
The Executive Order will stay in effect until it is amended or
rescinded. The full text of the order is available here.
