Colfax County fire marshal declares immediate countywide burn ban amid high fire risk

Colfax County Fire Marshal Nate Sandoval announced an immediate countywide burn ban, citing rising temperatures, low relative humidity, abundant dry fuels and federal and state forecasts indicating extreme fire conditions.

Sandoval said the declaration is issued under Colfax County ordinance number 2006-1 and revokes all current burn permits. He listed the main provisions: no new burn permits will be issued; outdoor smoking is permitted only within a 3-foot cleared area; wood- or solid-fuel fires including charcoal grills, exterior fireplaces, chimineas and open flames are prohibited; propane- or natural-gas fueled stoves and barbecues are allowed; and chainsaw use is permitted only if the manufacturer’s factory-installed spark arrestor is in place.

The fire marshal told the commission and attendees to be prepared for possible evacuations and to call 911 immediately if residents spot a fire. He directed property owners to the Ready, Set, Go wildfire-preparedness program online and said local fire districts can provide inspections and recommendations to make property more fire safe. He also asked the county to post the ban on the county website and distribute it to advertising partners.

At least one meeting participant asked whether charcoal grills were included in the ban; Sandoval confirmed that any appliance requiring solid fuel is prohibited and that propane-fueled pits and grills remain allowed if used safely and not placed adjacent to structures.

The declaration was presented as a public-safety notice from the fire marshal; the commission did not vote to adopt or modify the declaration during the meeting.

Residents with questions were advised to contact their local fire district for details and assistance.