During a No Burn Day ordered by the Sheriff or Deputy Fire Warden, it shall be unlawful for any person to build, maintain, attend, or use an Open Fire, conduct sales, or use fireworks, or engage in outdoor smoking, even if such would otherwise constitute an exempt fire.

For official restrictions and complete ordinance language, always refer to the Chaffee County Fire Restrictions page. Restriction orders may change, and specific exceptions may apply.

When a Stage I Restriction has been imposed, no open fire may be built, maintained, or attended within Chaffee County. The following are exempt from Stage I Restrictions:

• Campfires, warming fires, and charcoal fires within a permanent constructed fire grate in a developed public campground or picnic ground, or a permanent constructed fire grate or fire ring in a commercial campground or on private property.
  
  
• Liquefied Petroleum (LP) gas or liquid-fueled stoves and appliances that allow the operator to turn the flame on and off.
  
  
• Fireplaces within enclosed buildings that are equipped with adequate spark-arresting screens on the flue.
  
  
• Charcoal grill fires at private residences.

Secure fire contained by a rock ring or permanently constructed structure made of a solid non-combustible material that is no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.

When a Stage II Restriction has been imposed, no open fire may be built, maintained, or attended within Chaffee County. The following are ALSO prohibited during Stage II Restrictions:

• Using explosive material: i.e., exploding targets, tracer rounds, fireworks, blasting caps, or any incendiary device that may result in the ignition of flammable material.
  
  
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area at least twelve feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
  
  
• The use of chainsaws and combustion engines, except to the extent exempt under Subsection b of Section 3 of the Chaffee County Ordinance No. 2025-03.
  
  
• Welding, grinding metal, or operating an acetylene or similar torch with an open flame, except within an area of at least 20 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
  
  The following are exempt from Stage II fire restrictions:
  
  
• LP gas or liquid-fueled barbecue stoves and appliances that allow the operator to turn the flame on and off.
  
  
• Fireplaces within enclosed buildings that are equipped with adequate spark-arresting screens.
  
  
• The use of chainsaws with a combustion engine with adequate spark arrestors, provided the operator has with him or her a chemical-pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and has readily available for use a size O or larger round pointed shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.

Click here for access to Chaffee County, Colorado Ordinance No. 2025-03, which regulates open burning in the unincorporated areas of Chaffee County and provides penalties for violation of the ordinance.

If you have not done so already, please click here to register for Chaffee County Emergency Alerts via Everbridge.

If you have any questions or need further information on current restrictions, please call the Chaffee County Emergency Communications at 719-539-2596.

USFS Restrictions

Click here for more information on USFS restrictions and guidelines

Click here for a direct link to the National Weather Service website page for our area. Chaffee and Lake Counties are in FIRE ZONE 220.

• Pre-Evacuation: Conditions indicate residents should prepare for the possibility of evacuation.
• Evacuation: Leave the area immediately.

Help protect Chaffee County’s forests, grasslands, and communities by following these wildfire-safe camping practices:

Campfire Safety

• Always check current fire restrictions before starting a campfire.
• Use only approved fire rings, grates, or designated fire areas.
• Keep campfires small and manageable.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Keep water and a shovel nearby.
  

Extinguish Campfires Completely

Before leaving or going to sleep:

1. Drown the fire with water.
2. Stir the ashes and embers.
3. Add more water.
4. Feel for heat with the back of your hand.
5. Repeat until the fire is cold to the touch.
   

Vehicle Safety

• Do not park vehicles on dry grass.
• Secure trailer safety chains to prevent sparks.
• Ensure vehicles and equipment are properly maintained.
  

Prevent Wildfires Caused by Trailers

Dragging trailer chains are a common cause of roadside wildfires. Before traveling:

• Secure and shorten safety chains so they cannot contact the pavement.
• Check trailer tires, wheel bearings, and brakes.
• Inspect trailers regularly during long trips.

Smoking Safety

• Dispose of cigarette butts properly.
• Never throw cigarettes from a vehicle.
• Smoke only in areas allowed under current restrictions.
  

Protect Wildlife and Natural Resources

• Pack out all trash.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Stay on designated roads and trails.

Local Fire Agency Resources:

Chaffee County Fire Protection District

South Arkansas Fire Protection District

Fire Department | Salida, CO

For Alerts

Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Facebook

ChaffeeCounty.org

The Peak 92.3 FM

KHEN LP 106.9 FM