According to a news release from the Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are being implemented throughout Moffat County beginning at midnight on July 3.

The measures are being taken under Moffat County Ordinance 2023-0822 on all unincorporated private and state lands within Moffat County. The action is being taken in cooperation with state and federal agencies to prevent potential wildland fires. 

The Moffat County Board of County Commissioners, in coordination with the Moffat County Sheriff, enacted Ordinance 2023-0822 pursuant to Section 30-15-401(1)(n.5)(I), C.R.S., authorizing the Sheriff to implement fire restrictions when necessary.

Due to extreme fire danger resulting from very high drought conditions, low fuel moistures, forecasted dry weather patterns and recent human-caused fire starts, the restrictions are being implemented to protect life and property. 

Undersheriff Chip McIntyre outlined the following restrictions and exemptions in the news release.

Prohibited Activities Under Stage 1 Restrictions: 

1. Open Burning: All open burning is prohibited except for fires and campfires within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds or private residences, and charcoal grills or wood-burning stoves at private residences in areas cleared of all flammable materials. Additional exceptions are listed in Section 9 of Moffat County Ordinance 13-03. 
2. Use of Explosive Materials: The use of fireworks, blasting caps, tracer rounds, exploding targets or any incendiary device that could ignite flammable material is prohibited. 
3. Welding or Torch Operation: Welding or the use of an open-flame torch is prohibited unless conducted in a cleared area at least 10 feet in all directions, with a chemical pressurized five-pound fire extinguisher and a round-pointed shovel (minimum length 36 inches) readily available. 
4. Outdoor Smoking: Smoking outdoors is prohibited except within enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites, or while stopped in a cleared area at least three feet in diameter. 
5. Internal Combustion Engines: Operating any internal combustion engine without a properly installed and functioning spark arresting device is prohibited. 

Exemptions Allowed Under Section 9: 

1. Commercial or community fireworks displays that are properly permitted. 
2. Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves. 
3. Outdoor charcoal grills, commercially constructed fire pits and wood-burning stoves at developed campgrounds or private residences, in cleared areas. 
4. Burning of irrigation ditches located within and completely surrounded by irrigated farmland, when necessary for crop survival. Written permission from the Sheriff, through the Fire Management Officer, is required. 
5. Individuals with a permit or written authorization from the Sheriff, through the Fire Management Officer, specifically allowing the activity. 
6. Federal, state, or local officers, or members of organized firefighting or rescue forces, performing official duties. 
7. Additional exemptions granted by the Sheriff, through the Fire Management Officer, or by the appropriate state or federal land management agency, if the proposed activity is deemed safe and mitigable. 

The restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and will remain in effect until rescinded.