Fire Ban Still in Place Despite Recent Rain

  • A
  • A
  • A

    • Fire Ban in Golden

    UPDATE:
    Golden, Colo. – July 10, 2012 – Recent rains have offered some relief to the area parched by a drier and hotter than usual summer. Despite the moisture, however, more hot, dry weather is in the forecast, so the City of Golden will keep the current fire ban in place for the time being.

    The fire ban includes recreational fires and smoking in public places. This is the most restrictive fire ban Golden has ever put into place. 

    The recent spate of wildfires across the area and Colorado have made resources thin.  “That is why it is more important than ever to try to prevent another wildfire from happening,” said Golden Fire Chief John Bales. 

    Jefferson County has also taken steps to minimize the risk of accidental fires in the region by implementing a smoking ban in all Jefferson County Open Space Parks. The ban is effective immediately, and will be posted in all Parks, including the grounds of Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Hiwan Homestead Museum. The smoking ban in Open Space Parks is in addition to the terms of the county‐wide full fire ban for unincorporated Jefferson County. This ban as applied to Open Space Parks does not permit the use of charcoal grills or anything that produces an open flame that is not liquid‐fueled or gas‐fueled, or the use of any fireworks or campfires.

    The Golden Parks Department is busy putting bags over all of the charcoal grills in the parks around the city. Charcoal grills on both public and private land are off limits. So are tiki torches, chimineas, portable fire places, fire pits, and model rockets.

    Gas powered fires are still ok to use. So gas grills, gas fire pits, gas stoves, gas lanterns and gas heating devices are exempt from the ban. “Basically, if you can turn it on and off, it’s ok. If it has to be extinguished, it is not ok,” said Bales.

    The Golden Fire and Police Departments will actively patrol and look for violators. Anyone caught breaking the rules will face a fine of up to $999 and/or up to 180 days in jail.

    The fire ban will remain in effect indefinitely. Chief Bales will continue to monitor the risks and reassess as the weather changes, as will Jefferson County Officials.

    For more information, contact Golden Fire Department PIO, Karlyn Tilley by email or phone at 303-384-8132.