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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

The application deadline is April 24, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 30 business days.

Details

The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 1,343 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-2329 to verify eligibility and requirements.

What You Need to Know

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 22% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,519 responses from residents across the county.

The Sheriff’s Office processed over 1,502 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.