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Larimer County issues high-elevation fire restrictions as temperatures, drought persist
Summary
Fire chief Justin Weitzel told commissioners the county enacted zone-based fire restrictions above 6,000 feet on Aug. 8 because high temperatures, low fuel moisture and limited statewide resources increase wildfire risk; restrictions apply to unincorporated county areas and are effective through Sept. 2 while staff monitor conditions.
Larimer County’s fire restrictions covering zones above 6,000 feet remain in effect after county fire officials said persistent hot, dry and windy conditions have increased wildfire risk.
Chief Justin Weitzel updated the Board of County Commissioners Aug. 12 on the county’s zone-based restrictions, the data behind the decision and the county’s public outreach and enforcement approach. He said the restrictions apply only to unincorporated Larimer County and do not cover federal lands.
Weitzel said the county considered multiple indices in recommending restrictions, including the Energy Release Component (a measure of potential fire intensity), thousand-hour fuel moisture (deep, slow-drying fuels such as logs), and forecasts showing above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation through October. He also cited competing firefighting demands from large western Colorado fires that limit availability of air support and other statewide resources.
“We have recently been experiencing above normal temperatures and windy and dry conditions,” Weitzel said. He described the restrictions as applying to “uncontained open fires, fireworks, combustible devices, [and] welding torches in developed areas” while allowing gas-fueled fires in developed campgrounds and permanent fireplaces. He said the restrictions were effective through Sept. 2, at which point the sheriff’s office will recommend whether to continue, tighten to a ban, or lift restrictions.
Commissioners asked about local variations and enforcement. Commissioner Cavallos asked whether local fuel loading (dead wood and understory) is considered; Weitzel said fuel loading is not a specific metric used in their thresholds but that historical large-fire history and local conditions inform decisions. Commissioner Jody Shattuck McNally raised concerns from residents just below 6,000 feet — including around Carter Lake — who worried they were excluded from the restrictions; Weitzel said the county aligned zone boundaries with National Weather Service red-flag zones to reduce public confusion and enforcement challenges, but staff will continue to monitor below-6,000-foot conditions.
On enforcement, Weitzel said the county’s current posture emphasizes public education first, with enforcement reserved for repeated violations. Firefighters and law enforcement have been instructed to aggressively attack any reported smoke and to order aircraft when available. He also said the county created an interactive AEGIS map on the county website that lets residents check whether a specific address or campground is inside a restricted zone.
Commissioners thanked Weitzel and county staff for the data-driven, zone-based approach and for outreach tools. Weitzel said firefighters will continue to respond rapidly and that the county will provide updated recommendations to the board before Sept. 2 if conditions change.
No formal vote was required for the update; it was an informational briefing and discussion.
