The Towns of Frisco, along with Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Blue River, and Dillon are moving in step with the Summit County Government, US Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management from the current Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, effective at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 9. The primary change for people recreating on public land is that under Stage 1, campfires and charcoal are now allowed, but only in designated, metal fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Under stage 2, no campfires or charcoal permitted anywhere.
This move was made in recognition of recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, but with very little rain and hotter temperatures in the forecast, conditions are still very dry and liable to get drier. While fire restrictions have loosened, the Town of Frisco is asking visitors and residents to use their better judgement and err on the side of caution when considering campfires, whether on public land or in their back yards.
Fire Restrictions in Stage 1
- Fires are allowed on private property but must abide by the following conditions:
- The fire must be contained to a commercially designed and manufactured outdoor fireplace/pit, or portable outdoor fireplace/pit that is assembled, located, and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Any device that meets these criteria will also be equipped with a protective screen that reduces the spread of embers.
- The outdoor fireplace/pit or portable fireplace/pit and the location of that fireplace/pit must be permitted by Summit Fire & EMS.
- The area directly underneath the fireplace must be barren and free of all vegetation.
- The fire must be at least fifteen (15) feet from any flammable material and/or structure.
- The size of the fire may be no larger than (3) feet wide and (2) feet tall.
- Any fire within a designated dispersed camping site or picnic area must be contained within a permanent metal fire ring.
- Gas, charcoal and/or wood pellet grills may be used. Out of an abundance of caution, the Town of Frisco will be closing all public charcoal grills in Town of Frisco parks.
- Pile burns are only permissible with the appropriate permits from Summit Fire & EMS.
- All fires must meet the following conditions
- Be constantly attended by a responsible adult;
- Be extinguished and cool to the touch prior to leaving unattended;
- There must be access to at least one portable fire extinguisher, a minimum five gallon water container which is filled with water, or a garden hose, which is charged, available, and ready for immediate use.
- The use and/or sale of recreational fireworks and tracer ammunition, including recreational use of any projectile containing explosive material, incendiary material, or other chemical substance, is prohibited.
- The use and/or sale of recreational explosives, including explosive targets, is prohibited.
- Disposal of any burning object outdoors, including without limitation, any cigarette, cigar, or match, is prohibited.
Allowed Fire Activity
- Any fire contained within a fireplace, stove, wood burning stove, or pellet stove designed for and located within a fully enclosed permanent structure (such as a house) is allowed.
- Fires caused or administered by any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty, or fireworks that are part of pre-approved professional fireworks display are allowed.
- Smoking outdoors is permitted so long as the individual is at least three feet away from natural vegetation and/or flammable materials.
- Operation of a chainsaw is permitted as long as chainsaw has a spark arrester and the operator is equipped with a minimum 2A l0BC classified dry chemical fire extinguisher available for immediate use.
- The outdoor use of any open flame torch device is permitted under the following conditions:
- Device is at least fifteen (15) feet away from natural vegetation and/or flammable materials and S minimum 2A 10BC classified dry chemical fire extinguisher is available for immediate use.
- Inflation or propulsion of a hot air balloon is permitted.
Wildfire Mitigation and Preparedness
This is an ideal time to do wildfire mitigation and to prepare in case there is a wildfire.
- The Ready, Set, Go! Personal Action Guide is a useful handbook recommended by Summit Fire & EMS to help residents prepare for a wildfire with tips on landscaping to create “defensible space” and “home hardening” to help homes withstand an encroaching wildfire or ember storm, as well as suggestions on being prepared for a wildfire.
- Free wildfire preparation and defensible space consultations are available by calling Summit Fire & EMS at 970-262-5100.
- Wildfire mitigation grant programs are available to homeowner groups working to create defensible space.
- Summit County’s chipping program is returning again this year. Summit County Government helps residents and property owners create defensible space by providing a free chipping program for the disposal of branches, logs and small trees. If woody vegetation is cleared from around homes and stacked in a slash pile at the curb, Summit County will chip it and haul it away at no cost. Slash piles will be picked up in Frisco during the week of July 5-9, 2021.
- This is also the perfect time to sign up for Summit County Alert. Summit County’s Office of Emergency Management uses Summit County Alert (powered by the CodeRED software system) to send emergency notifications by phone, email, and text to keep community members informed of events such as wildfires, evacuation notices, utility outages, water main breaks, floods, and hazardous materials spills.
- A wildfire evacuation kit is recommended in case wildfire evacuations are ever needed. Below is a list of items to consider including in a household wildfire evacuation kit; items may vary depending on the needs and priorities of a household.
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, diapers, baby food)
- Batteries
- Can opener
- Cash
- Clothing, hats, sturdy shoes
- Duct tape
- Emergency blanket and/or sleeping bags
- Emergency contact information
- Family contact information
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Food: Non-perishable, 3-day supply
- Games and books
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Hand sanitizer
- Items of sentimental value that could not be replaced
- Keys: House, vehicles
- Matches
- Medical items, devices, records and information
- Medication: 7-day supply; list of medications
- Multi-tool
- Personal documents (proof of address, home lease/deed, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Pet supplies: food, leash, carrier, bowl
- Phone, tablet, laptop and power cords
- Rain gear
- Scissors
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, moisturizer, razor, soap, sun screen, hair brush)
- Towels
- Water: 3 gallons/person
- Whistle
- Work gloves