The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office announced that Stage II fire restrictions will be placed in effect throughout Chaffee County effective Tuesday, June 26.  This action is taken in light of the very dry and windy conditions that persist throughout the region and the forecast of no improvement in weather conditions in the immediate future.

Stage II restrictions prohibit building, maintaining, or attending any open fire within Chaffee County.  The ordinance applies throughout the unincorporated areas of Chaffee County, including public, private, state, and applicable federal lands.

In addition, the following activities are specifically prohibited:

• Using explosive material such as fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device that may result in ignition of flammable material..
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Welding, or operating an acetylene or similar torch, except in an area 20 feet in diameter cleared of flammable material.
• Using any internal combustion engines and chainsaws, except under certain limited conditions specifi by the ordinance.

The only exceptions to the ban are:

• LP gas or liquid fueled stoves that allow the operator to turn the appliance on or off.
• Fireplaces within enclosed buildings equipped with fire screens on the flue.

Bureau of Land Management has declared federal Stage II fire restrictions to become effective Tuesday and we anticipate similar restrictions within the San Isabel National Forest later this week.

Our website is updated every morning with the latest information on fire restrictions within the county.  www.chaffeesheriff.org