Red flag warning in effect for Eagle County, fire restrictions will apply

A red flag warning was issued Sunday for Eagle County, according to EC Alerts. “Fire restrictions will apply,” the alert reads. An updated map with fire restriction information is available on ecemergency.org.

The National Weather Service reports that the warning will remain in effect until 8 p.m. due to gusty winds, low humidity and dry fuels.

Under Stage 1 restrictions:

• Campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed picnic areas and campgrounds (including the Forest Service Homestake Valley designated dispersed camping sites in Eagle County); this means a metal, permanently installed in-ground containment structure — fire pans and rock campfire rings are not acceptable. 
• No fires of any type, including charcoal, outside of developed areas.
• Fully enclosed metal stoves common in hunting tents are allowed on the White River National Forest provided the chimney is at least 5 feet in length and has a spark arrester with a quarter-inch or less screen opening and the area is cleared of vegetation.   
• No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or in a barren area free of vegetation.
• No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets.
• No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame except in an area that has been cleared of vegetation.
• No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.

Under Stage 2 restrictions:

• No open flame, including but not limited to portable outdoor fireplaces, campfires, wood or charcoal grills. Liquid or gas-fueled stoves with shut-off valves may be utilized.
• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• No use of explosive materials, including explosive targets or incendiary rounds.
• No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame, or any other spark-producing device, without a permit. A ‘HOTWORK’ permit can be issued through your local fire department with a site inspection. 
• No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order. 
• No personal fireworks
• No agricultural burning, unless a valid permit has been duly issued by the appropriate fire authorities.
• Outdoor recreational shooting is permitted only in pre-approved, designated areas with appropriate mitigation measures and on-site fire suppression equipment. Preapproval must come from your local fire protection districts.

For more information visit ecemergency.org.