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Board adopts updated fire-restrictions ordinance with sheriff permit for explosives and clarified cooking exemptions
Summary
After extended public testimony from railroad and campground representatives, the Lake County Board adopted Ordinance 2026-03 with amendments to allow regulated explosive use by permit from the sheriff, clarify fireworks prohibitions, and preserve exemptions for certain pressurized gas cooking appliances.
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners on May 5 adopted Ordinance 2026-03, updating fire restrictions, open-burning rules and penalties for unincorporated Lake County with targeted amendments to address explosives used by industry and public-safety operators.
What changed: During a lengthy public hearing, Ken Olsson (who identified himself as representing railroad operations) and other commenters asked the board to allow use of regulated explosives (for tasks such as avalanche mitigation, rock removal and mine operations) during some stages of fire restrictions provided the sheriff can issue a permit. The board amended the ordinance language so that:
- Stage one and stage two restrictions explicitly prohibit fireworks but permit the use of explosives only when a permit is issued by the sheriff; and - The open-fire ban during high-danger conditions was revised to state the prohibition while preserving an express exemption allowing explosives when a sheriff-issued permit is obtained.
Cooking devices and public concerns: Campground operators and other commenters asked whether propane grills, cook stoves and pressurized-gas appliances would be treated as ‘open fires’ under the highest restrictions. Staff and the sheriff’s office clarified that the ordinance’s definition of “open fire” excludes pressurized gas or liquid-fueled cooking devices when they are specified as exempt in the ordinance language and when they are used in developed recreation sites or permitted facilities. Commissioners asked staff to produce plain-language outreach (graphics and examples) so residents and campground operators understand what is and isn’t allowed under each restriction stage.
Why it matters: The changes preserve a tool for fire prevention while recognizing that certain operations — regulated by state (Division of Public Safety) and federal (ATF) authorities and often essential for safety or commerce — require case-by-case handling. The sheriff’s office retained discretion to review and issue permits and to require conditions that minimize ignition risk.
Votes and next steps: After public comment and board deliberation, a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-03 with the amendments passed. The board asked staff to work with the sheriff’s office to finalize permitting procedures and to produce outreach materials clarifying exemptions for manufactured gas appliances versus open burn activities.
Representative exchange: Railroad representative Ken Olsson urged the board to allow explosives by permit, saying the railroad and local mines rely on regulated explosive use and have ATF or state oversight for storage and handling. Sheriff’s office and staff representatives recommended preserving sheriff discretion and handling exemptions administratively rather than micromanaging details in the ordinance.
Closing: The board said it wants clear written guidance for the public and will rely on sheriff-issued permits and outreach to reconcile safety and operational needs.
