Douglas County Passes Fire Restrictions
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (AP) - Douglas County is the latest in Colorado to approve fire restrictions as the wildfire danger remains high in the eastern part of the state.
The county commissioners Tuesday approved a ban on open burning of any kind in unincorporated Douglas County. A wildfire burning in tinder-dry brush and grasses charred 2.5 square miles in the county last week, forcing thousands out of their homes near Franktown about 35 miles southeast of Denver.
The county is prohibiting camp fires at campgrounds and picnic areas, the use of charcoal grills, fires in chimneys, portable fireplaces and patio fire pits. Cooking on stoves that use gas or other liquid fuels is OK.
The restrictions also apply to national forest land. The penalty for violating the bans is a fine of up to $600.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
