INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL >>
The City of Glenwood Springs will join Garfield County, the Bureau of Land Management-Colorado River Valley Field Office, the US Forest Service and the regional Fire Districts in Garfield County (Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District, Colorado River Fire Rescue, Grand Valley Fire Protection District, Gypsum Fire Protection District, De Beque Fire Protection District and Lower Valley Fire Protection District) to rescind Stage 2 fire restrictions and reinstate Stage 1 fire restrictions effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 9.
“Even with recent rain and relaxed fire restrictions, I want to urge everyone to exercise caution with fire,” said Glenwood Springs Fire Chief Gary Tillotson. “Always refer to current restrictions before igniting a spark of any kind and take steps to ensure that you, your family, home, pets and vehicles are fire ready.”
Ready, Set, GO!
The Glenwood Springs Fire Department has recently started a new video series to assist the community with fire preparedness. Residents and businesses are encouraged to plan, prepare and stay aware this fire season.
New videos are added periodically and can be found on Facebook, YouTube and at www.cogs.us/fireprep. Get prepared for wildfire before it strikes by following Ready, Set, Go!
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
For the purpose of clarifying these restrictions the following definitions are offered.
By definition:
A "Developed Area" is an area, whether within city limits or rural, that is groomed, manicured and or watered, where grasses, brush and trees are regularly attended to by landowner. This includes residential and business areas, improved recreational areas, parks and other common areas.
An "Undeveloped Area" are lands that are not groomed, manicured, or watered, where grasses, brush and trees have been allowed to grow in a natural environment. This includes green belts that are not landscaped or manicured, open space lands, non-manicured park lands, and other areas where the fire hazard presented by the vegetation is determined by the authority having jurisdiction or designee to be an undue wildland fire hazard.
The following Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be strictly enforced:
- All Burn Permits Canceled. All Open Burning Permits are canceled during Fire Restrictions.
- Campfires/Recreational Fires:
- In Developed Areas, campfire/recreational fires are allowed within designated fire pits. (i.e. a permanent in-ground containment structure). A temporary fire pan, Chiminea, or rock campfire ring is NOT acceptable.
- In Undeveloped Areas, only gas-fueled devices with a shut-off valve shall be permitted.
- No smoking, except within a designated area, an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed area or in an area free of combustibles.
- No use of any explosives. All explosives are prohibited, including blasting caps, “exploding” targets, bullets, tracer rounds, model rockets, etc.
- Hot work. Exercise common sense and industry safety practices when welding, grinding, or operating an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame.
- Use of Powered Equipment. Must have a properly-installed spark arrestor and method for fire extinguishment.
In addition to stage 1 fire restrictions, all personal use of fireworks is prohibited in the City of Glenwood Springs and Garfield County until November.
Fire Restriction violations can be reported to law enforcement via 625-8095. Violation can lead to serious consequences including fines and imprisonment.
Fire Safety Reminders
- Register or update your contact information today for emergency alerts at www.GarCo911.com.
- Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to be your "family contact." Your contact should live outside of your area. During family separations, it is often easier to contact an out of area relative. Family members should call the contact and tell him or her where they are. Everyone must know the contact’s name, address, and phone number.
- Prepare your home: Check for, and remove, fire hazards in and around your home (roofs, gutters and under decks) such as dried out branches, leaves and debris.
- Adults and children should know the basics: the sound of smoke alarms, the location of the nearest fire escape, emergency numbers, and an established meeting area.
- Be fire wise: Prepare an emergency evacuation kit to keep in your vehicle, and a go bag.
- Check vehicles and trailers before trips to ensure chains on the tow assembly aren’t dragging on the ground.
- If you see a fire approaching your home or community, report it immediately by dialing 9-1-1.
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