Independance Day Weekend Fire Safety
Greetings,
With the holiday weekend here, we’ve noticed an increase in property owners and their guests visiting the ranch for camping and other activities. While we should all be aware of the devastating wildfire risks, the POA restrictions on open fires, and the more stringent fire restrictions currently in effect for the county, others may not be.
As such, let’s all help protect our community. Any fire on property within the POA that may violate existing restrictions should be promptly reported to Huerfano Dispatch at (719) 738-1044 or 911. “See Something, Say Something.” Failure to report could result in the destruction of your own home or those of your neighbors — consequences that may be impossible to overcome financially or ethically.
Have a happy and safe Independence Day!
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Effective June 30, 2026
By order of the Huerfano County Board of Commissioners, Huerfano County has been placed under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions effective June 30, 2026. Stage 2 restrictions incorporate and expand upon the earlier Stage 1 restrictions.
The following activities are prohibited on all public and private lands, roads, and trails within Huerfano County:
Building, maintaining, attending, or using any fire or campfire.
Exception:
Discharging, or using any type of fireworks or other pyrotechnic device, including sparklers. All fireworks activity and use is prohibited on public and private lands, whether lawful or careless/negligent.
Trash or refuse burning of any kind, even in burn barrels with approved screening.
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a barren area, a developed recreation site, or on a paved surface at least three feet in diameter.
Operating a chainsaw or any motorized equipment for any purpose other than fire mitigation work. Mitigation equipment must be on hand for each person operating such equipment (for example, a chemical fire extinguisher, shovels, and a spark arrester). You must call Huerfano County Dispatch at 719-738-1044 with the start time, end time, and location of the activity.
Blasting, welding, or operating any torch with an open flame, or other activities that generate flame or flammable material. You must call Huerfano County Dispatch at 719-738-1044 with the start time, end time, and location of the activity.
Using explosives or exploding targets.
The following exceptions are permitted:
Propane grills are allowed if the grill can be turned off with a knob or the flip of a switch.
If fire is a requirement to do business (for example, a barbecue restaurant), the business shall be requested to meet mitigation guidelines commensurate with the size and location of the fire and the level of fire restriction enacted.
Open burning conducted with an approved open burning permit.
Smokeless flares or safety flares for the combustion of waste gasses.
Flares used to indicate danger.
Prescribed burns reviewed and approved by a qualified representative from the respective fire district.
These restrictions are in place until rescinded by the Board of County Commissioners. Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $1000. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.
Additional information on Huerfano County’s Burn Ordinance, including fire restriction definitions, can be found in the Huerfano County Code, Article II of Chapter 10.
Sign-up for HCNotify, Huerfano County’s Emergency Alert System.
Information on restrictions in other Counties and on Federal Lands in Colorado are available from the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.