CONTACT:    Deni La Rue, Community Information Manager, (970) 498-7150, dlarue@larimer.org

DATE:            June 28, 2004

SUBJECT:      Larimer County Eases Fire Restrictions

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Board of Larimer County Commissioners today ended a portion of the fire restrictions that have been in place for the unincorporated areas of Larimer County since early spring. Effective immediately open fires are allowed in unincorporated areas, however the use of fireworks are still restricted.   

Today’s move by the Commissioners makes it legal to have open and contained open fires in Larimer County but still makes it illegal to use fireworks of any kind. This includes sparklers and snakes.

• Communities in unincorporated areas, such as Red Feather Lakes, can have public displays through agreement with their local fire authorities. Incorporated cities and towns like Loveland, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Wellington and Berthoud do not fall under these restrictions but adhere to their own regulations.   

 

• Although the public may see fireworks stands that does not mean they can use fireworks. The county cannot keep fireworks vendors from making a living but can restrict the use of fireworks.

 

• When the county doesn’t have restrictions on fireworks then the public in unincorporated areas follows State Statutes on the use fireworks and can normally use sparklers, ground spinners, fountains, and party poppers. Fireworks that are always illegal under State Statues include firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, cherry bombs, and more.    

With continued dry conditions following the March-April, 9,000 acre Picnic Rock Fire, on April 6 the Board of Larimer County Commissioners approved fire restrictions on open burning and fireworks. Those restrictions were originally set to end June 1, 2004, but were extended to August 1.