Rio Blanco County in Colorado is the latest to announce a Fire Restriction Order: Pursuant to Rio Blanco County Resolution 2019-06 the following acts are prohibited in Rio Blanco County. 1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites. 2. Using burn barrels or burn pits to burn trash/rubbish. 3. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 4. Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrestor properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches. 5. Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity. 6. Using exploding targets or illegal fireworks. This order becomes effective at 12:01 AM, June 16th and will remain in force until rescinded. Violations of these regulations could be punishable as a Class 6 felony.
