Hickenlooper Considers Imposing Statewide Fire Ban
DENVER (CBS4) - The massive High Park Fire has made many Coloradans nervous about wildfires and Gov. John Hickenlooper is considering imposing a statewide fire ban while many counties already have bans in place.
Fire bans and restrictions are shown on the website of the Colorado Division of Emergency Management. It's a long list of Colorado counties and the information can change. People need to try to keep up, especially with the rules where they live or visit.
In Cherry Creek State Park visitors can bike or boat, but don't even think about burning. Outdoor fires in the park are prohibited, and that includes camp fires.
"Charcoal (in a grill) is allowed but it can't produce an open flame," Arapahoe County Undersheriff David Walcher said.
Like much of Colorado, unincorporated Arapahoe County is parched. Since March the area has been under an open burning ban.
"It's a bad year. It's a very bad year," Walcher said.
With the Fourth of July fast approaching the county is also cracking down on illegal fireworks.
"You know if it explodes or leaves the ground it's illegal," Walcher said.
With the fire exploding west of Fort Collins, the state Emergency Operations Center has been activated since Monday, offering support and resources in fighting the High Park Fire.
"They were working on getting those Black Hawk helicopters from other states," Micki Trost with the Division of Emergency Management said.
The Division Of Emergency Management also keeps the fire ban list. There are already more than 35 counties are on the list.
Authorities suggest people contact their local sheriff to learn about any fire bans and use common sense.
"If you even think that there is an unsafe condition in your area, if you're thinking about checking a website, then you probably shouldn't start that fire," Trost said.
Sometimes just one ember can spark disaster.
Link: Colorado Fire Restrictions
Wildfire Resources
- Visit CBSDenver.com's Wildfire Resources section.
- Read recent Wildfire stories.
Wildfire Photo Galleries
- See images from the most destructive wildfire (Fourmile Fire) and largest wildfire (Hayman Fire) in Colorado history.
