Ouray County board authorizes sheriff to impose fire restrictions amid dry spring

The Ouray County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously April 14 to adopt Resolution 2026-9, authorizing the county sheriff to impose fire restrictions and limited fire bans in unincorporated areas as conditions warrant.

Commissioners cited unusually low mountain snowpack and an early-dry spring as the rationale for moving the annual authorization earlier this year. "I've never seen the Continental Divide so dry," a commissioner said, describing recent observations of brown peaks and diminished spring melt. The board agreed the earlier action would give the public timely notice and allow the sheriff to respond quickly if fire risk rises.

The resolution enables the sheriff to restrict certain outdoor burning and other activities within unincorporated county boundaries; staff noted the vote follows the county's typical annual practice but was placed on the agenda sooner to match current conditions. One commissioner asked whether the authorization should become part of recurring January business to avoid delays in future seasons; the board signaled support for that change.

The motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded on the record and carried unanimously. Commissioners said they would coordinate public messaging with county staff to ensure residents understand what actions might be restricted and when the sheriff's office would implement bans.

No public comments opposing the measure were recorded during the item.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the resolution's passage.