Jefferson County commissioners on July 21 approved a resolution implementing an open-fire ban in unincorporated areas effective immediately and set to remain in force through Sept. 30, 2025, unless the board sets an earlier end date.

The measure, adopted as Resolution No. 2025-27, authorizes the Jefferson County Sheriff and local fire districts to enforce Jefferson County Ordinance 2024-10 and declares that open burning is prohibited on private property in unincorporated areas except for campfires in approved pits at improved campgrounds or picnic areas; smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles or buildings. Agricultural burning requires an air permit.

County emergency-management staff and commissioners said the action responds to an unusually early and dry fire season. An emergency-management speaker told commissioners fuels were "about three weeks ahead of where they would normally be" and described recent local and regional fires and low-humidity conditions as the basis for the ban.

The resolution cites Ordinance 2024-10 and the International Fire Code as legal authority for prohibiting open burning when atmospheric or local conditions create a hazard.

Commissioners discussed timing and enforcement before voting to adopt the resolution. The board also noted surrounding jurisdictions were considering similar restrictions and that public notification would take time, so officials said they would begin public outreach immediately.

What it means: residents in unincorporated Jefferson County must stop open burning and follow the ordinance’s definitions and exceptions. Public lands owned by the state or federal government are not covered by this county resolution. The county emphasized that the resolution is intended to protect public safety and reduce wildfire risk over the summer and early fall.

Next steps: county staff were directed to distribute notice of the ban and coordinate enforcement with the sheriff’s office and local fire districts. Commissioners said they might revisit the effective date if significant rains or changed conditions materialize.