Fremont County reinstates fire ban and delegates suspension authority to sheriff

The Fremont County Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution on July 8, 2025, to reinstate a countywide fire ban under existing ordinance and to delegate to the sheriff — the county’s fire warden — authority to suspend or reimpose the ban and to set stage levels as conditions change.

County Attorney Eric Bellas explained the action was needed to avoid delays inherent in calling special public meetings whenever the county must react quickly to rapidly changing fire conditions. The approved measure is identified in the meeting as Resolution No. 9, Series 2025, and references Fremont County Ordinance 2012-1 as the enabling local law.

Commissioners said placing operational authority with the sheriff will allow the county to act more nimbly during high-risk periods. The sheriff, who serves as the county fire warden, told commissioners he routinely reviews fuels and coordinates with local fire districts and the emergency manager.

After the resolution passed by roll call, the sheriff announced he was placing the county under a stage 1 fire restriction, effective 10:04 a.m. County staff said public notices will be posted on the county’s Facebook page and on the county website (fremontcountyc0.gov) when restrictions change and that the county website contains details about prohibited and permitted activities for each stage.

The motion to adopt Resolution No. 9 carried by unanimous roll call. The action restores a standing fire ban that had been suspended since November of the prior year and enables the sheriff to react immediately to deteriorating conditions without requiring a separate county commission meeting.