Fire restrictions
ANY ACTIVE WILDFIRE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE POSTED iN THE "ALERT BANNER" AT THE TOP OF THE PAGES OF THIS WEBSITE ALONG WITH THE CURRENT WILDFIRE DANGER.
Fire restrictions for Summit County are enacted by the county commissioners after consultations with the local fire departments and the sheriff. We also strive to coordinate with the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest, which manages 80 percent of the land in the county, to reduce confusion over varying states of restrictions, although independent decisions still may occur.
Fire danger is typically related to fuel-moisture levels and short-term weather events. Firefighters and land managers in the county and throughout western Colorado talk about fire-danger ratings a couple times a week during the summer and have the ability to change the fire danger on short notice, as conditions change.
Fire restrictions, on the other hand, are much more complicated. Fire restrictions are determined by considering fuel moisture levels, longer-term weather, other wildfires in the area, resource availability and social/political factors. This decision is not made in a vacuum and is seldom black and white.
Finally, "red flag warnings" are simply public alerts that forecast weather and current fire conditions are prime for wildfires and their rapid spread. These are issued by the National Weather Service for relatively short periods of time. They are intended just to raise awareness of the potential for wildfires as a warning to be very careful.
Residents and visitors to our community should know that wildfires can start at any time of the year, and we urge responsible behavior and constant vigilance with campfires and all sources of heat and flame. If you see smoke where it is not expected, please call 9-1-1 to report it immediately.
