Due to dry conditions presenting a fire hazard throughout the Glenwood Springs area, City staff have determined it necessary to put fire restrictions in place within the city limits, effective July 1.
The following restrictions shall be strictly enforced:
- No fires/campfires/stove fires. Personal gas and charcoal grills in developed areas are allowed.
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area at least 3 feet in diameter and that is barren or cleared of vegetation.
- No operating of any combustion engine, including chainsaws, without an approved spark arrester properly installed, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher, and a round-point shovel readily available for use.
- No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
- No use of an explosive (ex. blasting caps, exploding targets, tracer rounds, model rockets, etc.).
- No fireworks. Toy caps, sparklers and smoke snakes shall be permitted.
Fire restrictions in the City of Glenwood Springs will be in place until further notice.
Fireworks
With the 4th of July fast approaching, the City of Glenwood Springs would like to remind everyone that even when fire restrictions are not in place, the sale or use of most types of fireworks is unlawful. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as sparklers and toy caps, but, as Police Chief Terry Wilson put it, “If it leaves the ground or goes boom, it’s illegal.” Any person violating this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
The City’s 4th of July fireworks display at Two Rivers Park will still be proceeding, as Fire Chief Gary Tillotson has determined that the risk of fire from this event is low, due to the location of the event and the usage of low-altitude fireworks. Event details are available at http://www.cogs.us/372/Fourth-of-July-Celebration.
Smoking
As with fireworks, even when fire restrictions are not in place, the City of Glenwood Springs has several smoking restrictions. To reduce the levels of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, smoking is not permitted in the following outdoor areas:
- Within fifty (50) feet of any child care center or school
- In the downtown area, between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Within twenty-five (25) feet of a transit stop
- On any park, parkland, or recreation area or facility
- Within twenty-five (25) feet of any common, active, or passive open space
Glenwood Springs Police Officers will soon be stepping up enforcement of the smoking restrictions. Anyone caught violating the smoking ordinance can be fined up to $200 for a first violation, $300 for a second violation, and $500 for each additional violation within a calendar year.
For questions or concerns, please contact Patrick Fleming at patrick.fleming@cogs.us or 970-384-6444.