On Thursday, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management in Garfield County and local fire districts enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions. The decision followed a review of current fire risk factors, including vegetation moisture levels, weather forecasts and the availability of firefighting resources.

Stage 1 fire restrictions were originally implemented for Garfield County on June 26 and the White River National Forest and Upper Colorado River District on June 27.

According to a county news release issued Wednesday, Stage 2 fire restrictions mean that no new burn permits will be issued and all previously issued permits are canceled. 

Recreational fires are prohibited. For cooking fires, cooking devices — including gas cylinders — are allowed but must be clean and in good working condition. Gas grills do not require a permit, according to the release. 

In developed areas — which are spaces that are watered, groomed and maintained where vegetation is regularly cared for — residents may use charcoal and other solid fuel cookers or grills without a permit, the release states. However, in undeveloped areas, where vegetation is left to grow naturally, a permit from the local fire department may be required.

Smoking is permitted in developed areas but is restricted to enclosed buildings or vehicles in undeveloped areas, according to the release. 

Caution is essential for welding and other hot work. In developed areas, proper safety and prevention measures must be followed. In undeveloped areas, only industrial welding and hot work are allowed and may require a permit from the local fire department, the release states. These activities must take place in an area cleared of vegetation with a minimum 10-foot diameter, include a designated lookout and have a Class A fire extinguisher — suitable for fires involving wood, paper and cloth — immediately available.  

All internal combustion engine-powered equipment, such as generators, chainsaws and handheld tools, must be equipped with a spark-arresting device, according to the release. When operating this equipment, a Class A fire extinguisher and round-point shovel at least 36 inches long must be kept nearby. Other machinery, like tractors and mowers, should be used with extreme caution, particularly around dry grass and weeds. 

The use of fireworks and other explosive materials is prohibited under these restrictions. This includes explosive targets, steel and tracer bullets and steel jacketed or steel-core ammunition, according to the release. Firing ranges must ensure safe fire conditions at all times. Potential fuel sources must be cleared, downrange conditions monitored and immediate access to fire suppression tools is required. The fire department must be notified of any fire, regardless of size. At unattended ranges, the responsibility for fire safety lies with the shooter.