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Fire restrictions on again

Daily Staff Report

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with local fire authorities, has placed restrictions on all open burning in an effort to prevent wildland fires.

As of midnight today, open burning is restricted on all non-federal lands in Eagle County.

Due to unseasonably warm and dry weather patterns, all fire protection agencies are supporting the decision to place restrictions in effect for Eagle County,” stated a press release issued Thursday. “With the fire danger remaining “high’ to “extreme’ in our communities, the concerns of the fire districts and chiefs are that any fire in these conditions could jeopardize lives.”



The restrictions ban the use of solid-fuel fires except in constructed fire pits with a grate. Cooking on gas-fueled stoves and grills is still allowed, but charcoal-fueled are allowed, but only on private property. Residents are urged to use caution when smoking and confine embers to the inside of vehicles or buildings, back yards and developed recreation sites.

No use of explosive devices requiring fuses is allowed, including private fireworks. Any pyrotechnic device that leaves the ground is illegal. Use of such devices is considered a class-4 felony and will be prosecuted, the statement said.

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Restrictions will remain in effect until local fire authorities rescind them. “People who obviously disregard the law and fire conditions, or are negligent in the maintenance of their fire, will be held responsible for the costs of suppression efforts,” the statement said.

For more information, call:

– The Eagle River Fire Protection District at 748-9665.

– Basalt Rural Fire Protection District at 704-0675.

– Greater Eagle Fire Protection District at 328-7244.

– Gypsum Fire Protection District at 524-7101.

– Vail Fire and Emergency Services at 479-2250.


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