Colorado counties enact Stage 2 fire restrictions

Pitkin County, Colorado, will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 26, after a joint Aspen City Council and County Commissioners meeting. The decision follows an emergency‑manager briefing that warned, “the eight to 14 day outlook looks … not real promising.” Restrictions tighten fire‑related activities, prohibit fireworks, smoking outside vehicles, and spark‑producing work, and expand the area subject to bans.

Routt County commissioners approved Stage 2 fire restrictions effective noon on Tuesday, June 23, replacing the earlier Stage 1 rules. The ordinance bans open fires on unincorporated lands, limits exemptions, and allows agencies to further restrict commercial activities such as construction, logging or oil‑and‑gas work. Permits are required for certain activities, and fire‑service personnel are exempt while on duty.