Resident urges county to speed short‑term‑rental fire‑pit rules after repeated bonfires

Joyce Westbrook, a resident of 993 Lodgepole Drive, told the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners on June 24 that neighbors have repeatedly reported open bonfires at a short‑term rental at 961 Lodgepole Drive and asked the board to move quickly to adopt planning commission rules requiring on/off switches on fire pits.

Westbrook said she has followed county procedure since May 13, documenting fires that exceeded the approved container and submitting photos and video to staff. She said she confirmed with county staffer Brian Smith that flames should remain within the fire container and not exceed roughly waist to shoulder height, and that Timberline Fire is being dispatched through nonemergency dispatch when complaints arrive.

The planning commission already approved an update addressing short‑term rentals and a requirement for an on/off switch on fire pits; Westbrook asked the board to consider final approval “early in the fire season.” The board did not take immediate action during public comment. County staff said they had heard the resident previously, have taken notes, and will “talk with staff about next steps.”

Westbrook emphasized she wants to partner with county officials rather than be adversarial and expressed concern about valley residents and adjacent ranch land. The board reminded the public that it typically does not engage with speakers during the public‑comment period but said staff would follow up.

For now, enforcement at reported incidents is handled by nonemergency dispatch coordinating Timberline Fire with on‑scene consultations with tenants; Westbrook said tenant turnover makes recurring violations difficult to stop. She said she had provided the county with video and photographs documenting multiple incidents.