RESOLUTION NO. 2-2026

A RESOLUTION REINSTATING THE BAN ON OPEN FIRES AND THE USE OF FIREWORKS

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Montezuma County, Colorado, based upon competent evidence, finds that the danger of forest and grass fires is high throughout the unincorporated areas of Montezuma County; and

WHEREAS, the Board further finds that, in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, it is necessary to reduce the danger of wildfires within those areas;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Montezuma County, Colorado, as follows:

1. Resolution No. 19-2025, which lifted the ban on open fires and the use of fireworks, is hereby canceled pursuant to Montezuma County Ordinance No. 2-2015.
2. The ban on open fires and the use of fireworks is hereby reinstated and shall continue in full force and effect pursuant to Montezuma County Ordinance No. 2-2015, attached hereto as Exhibit 1.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.

ADOPTED this 26 day of May, 2026.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MONTEZUMA COUNTY, COLORADO

EXHIBIT 1

ORDINANCE NO. 2-2015

AMENDED FIRE BAN PURSUANT TO C.R.S. §§ 30-15-401(1)(n.5) AND (n.7)

WHEREAS, the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners previously adopted Ordinance Nos. 1-2008 and 2-2014 regarding a fire ban, and found, based upon competent evidence, that the danger of forest and grass fires is high throughout the unincorporated areas of Montezuma County; and

WHEREAS, the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners finds that the immediate preservation of public health, safety, and welfare, and the reduction of wildfire danger, require amendment of the fire ban;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners, pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 30-15-401(1)(n.5), 30-15-401(1)(n.7), and 30-15-402, that Ordinance Nos. 1-2008 and 2-2014 are hereby repealed and replaced as follows:

1. Open fires and the use of fireworks are prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Montezuma County except as provided herein.

2. “Open fire” means any fire in an outdoor location where fuel is being burned, except for the following:

   a. Commercial enclosed incinerators.

   b. Residential charcoal and gas barbecue grills.

   c. Welding and/or operation of an acetylene or similar torch with an open flame related to oil and gas production, when conducted within a 20-foot radius safe zone free of vegetation and in compliance with Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Rule 606A(o) regarding fire prevention and production.

   d. Welding and/or operation of an acetylene or similar torch with an open flame, provided that:

   • a fire watch individual is present on site and readily available with proper hand tools; and
   • at least one of the following is available:
     • one 2.5-gallon pressurized fire extinguisher,
     • one 5-pound ABC extinguisher, or
     • a pressurized water supply.

   Such activity must also occur within a 20-foot radius safe zone free of vegetation.

   e. Burn barrels equipped with a ¼-inch screen, when operated within a 20-foot radius safe zone free of vegetation.

3. Suspension and Enforcement of Fire Ban

   a. The ban on open fires and the use of fireworks shall remain in full force and effect at all times unless suspended by Resolution of the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners based upon competent evidence and consistent with existing wildfire dangers and the requirements of C.R.S. § 30-15-401(1)(n.7).

   Any suspension shall not constitute repeal of this Ordinance. The Board of County Commissioners may cancel any suspension at any time by Resolution. This Ordinance shall remain in effect until specifically repealed.

   b. Any Resolution suspending the fire ban shall not apply during a “Red Flag Day,” defined as any day on which the United States National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for any portion of the unincorporated areas of Montezuma County. Open fires and the use of fireworks shall be prohibited during any Red Flag Day.

   c. “High Wind Advisory” means any day on which the United States National Weather Service issues a High Wind Advisory for any portion of the unincorporated areas of Montezuma County with sustained winds of 30–39 mph. Open fires and the use of fireworks shall be prohibited during a High Wind Advisory.

   d. “High Wind Warning” means any day on which the United States National Weather Service issues a High Wind Warning for any portion of the unincorporated areas of Montezuma County with sustained winds exceeding 40 mph. Open fires and the use of fireworks shall be prohibited during a High Wind Warning.

   e. During any suspension of the fire ban, any person conducting a burn shall notify Dispatch at (970) 565-8441 of the burn location on the same day and prior to the proposed burn.

4. Any person who violates this Ordinance may be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 for each separate violation, together with any surcharge authorized under C.R.S. § 30-15-402.
5. Because of the high wildfire danger, this Ordinance is necessary for the immediate preservation of public health, safety, and welfare and shall become effective immediately upon adoption.

ADOPTED this 8th day of June, 2015.

Resolution No. 2-2026