Residents urge total fire ban and noise enforcement over proposed Labor Day event near LaVeta Pines

Several residents spoke during public comment at the Huerfano County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Aug. 5 to oppose a permit application for a private Labor Day weekend event near LaVeta Pines, urging the board and county staff to enforce total-fire bans and noise ordinances.

Ken Simmons, who said he lives in LaVeta Pines about 8 miles southwest of Walsenburg, told commissioners he and neighbors had submitted written opposition to the permit and expressed particular worry about open fires. “Permit application submitted for a huge 3 door outdoor fire party with fires that could cause a second Spring Creek fire,” Simmons said, and provided printed copies of a document he described as a unified opposition packet.

Michelle Komarowski, who said she lives on Bear Creek Road a couple of miles from the proposed site, said embers and noise were her primary concerns and questioned whether the liability insurance presented with the application would cover nearby property owners. “Last time we could hear the noise even though we're a couple miles away,” Komarowski said. “The insurance that was presented to y'all is a liability policy, but it protects only the homeowner. It has nothing to do with the rest of us should there be a fire that occurs.”

An event applicant who identified himself as the property owner and representative responded during public comment, saying the organizers do not intend to affiliate with Burning Man and that they will follow county rules, limit noise and meet decibel requirements. He said organizers requested a single burn location dependent on fire conditions and emphasized experience coordinating groups. Resident Ryan East also spoke and described ownership of nearby lots and said he had discussed permit types with the fire chief; he said he does not intend to endanger land under his control.

The speakers said they had sent written documents to county staff and to the official handling the permit application. Commissioners did not take formal action on the permit during the Aug. 5 meeting; the public-comment speakers asked that the county consider a total fire ban and stricter noise enforcement for the proposed event and said they had provided supporting materials to county staff.