Larimer County adopts temporary fire restrictions below 9,000 feet after sheriff’s recommendation

Larimer County commissioners voted unanimously on March 24 to adopt time-limited fire restrictions for unincorporated areas below 9,000 feet, effective 12:01 a.m. on March 25 through 11:59 p.m. on May 5, 2026.

The board acted after Larimer County Sheriff John Fan presented a detailed review of fire-weather indicators and resource availability and recommended restrictions that prohibit open wood and recreational fires that are not in permanent enclosures or designed portable devices. "This is not a ban," the sheriff said, adding that "people will still be able to burn in fire rings" and that the measure is intended to prevent dispersed, informal campfires and pile burning (with agricultural burns exempt under state law).

The sheriff explained the decision using several indices — including energy-release and spread components, multiple fuel-moisture measures and the KBDI drought index — and described the county’s elevation-based approach. The county uses three zones for planning and messaging: plains (6,000 feet and below), foothills (6,000–9,000 feet) and east divide (above 9,000 feet). The restriction applies only to unincorporated areas below 9,000 feet, excluding federal, state and municipal lands that set their own rules.

Sheriff Fan emphasized that the science and local conditions drove a cautious, time-limited approach. He said 1-hour fuels and relative humidity are particularly important for short-term ignition likelihood, and that national and local resource availability factored into the timing. He told commissioners he expects to revisit the board before or on May 5 if weather and resource conditions warrant expanded or extended restrictions.

Commissioners pressed the sheriff on enforcement, fireworks and coordination with neighboring jurisdictions. The sheriff said fireworks are already illegal in Colorado and that the county will rely first on education and voluntary compliance; enforcement tools are available for repeated noncompliance. He also said local fire chiefs and districts expressed support and that Fort Collins was likely to adopt similar measures. The sheriff said the county will publish the scientific slides and an interactive map so residents can check whether a given address falls inside the restricted area.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of minutes for the week of March 16, 2026 — approved (voice vote). - Consent agenda (contracts, land-nomination letters, liquor-license renewals, tax stipulations, and a resolution designating a growth-management overlay) — approved (voice vote). - Resolution declaring fire restrictions in unincorporated Larimer County below 9,000 feet, effective March 25–May 5, 2026 — approved (voice vote; recorded as passes 3-0). - Board authorized defense and indemnification of county employees in U.S. District Court case 26-CV-00342-NYW-CYC — approved.

What the restrictions mean for residents: Hardened masonry or metal devices in established campgrounds and private chimineas in backyards are still allowed; casual rock-ring fires and pile burning (except agricultural burns that are allowed by state law with notification) are prohibited in the restricted zone. Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles, buildings or locations with at least 3 feet of cleared ground.

Sheriff Fan and staff said they will monitor conditions daily, continue coordinating with local fire districts and publish a public-facing map and the dashboard slides to clarify where the order applies. The board asked staff to consider returning with an update in the final week of April to reassess conditions ahead of the May 5 target review date.

The meeting also included a brief county-manager update and commissioner reports before the board moved into executive session on pending legal matters.