Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Follow-Up Report

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Follow-Up Report

Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

Background

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Housing & Human Services, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

Volunteers contributed over 1,715 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Timeline

The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

Funding of $143,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2025 budget session.