Montezuma County is proposing to modify its fire ban ordinance.
Amendments address wildfire safety and more specifically outline what is allowed and what is not during a fire ban.
The fire ban prohibits open fires and stays in effect unless suspended by the county commissioners. Currently it is under suspension meaning there is no fire ban in place.
Key changes proposed for the fire ban ordinance are the rules for what constitutes an open fire.
Currently "open fire" under the ordinance is described as "any fire in an outdoor location where fuel being burned is not contained in an enclosed incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill, or barbecue pit."
The amended proposal omits that sentence and adds a more detailed list on what the exceptions are to a ban on open fires.
The proposed ordinance's burn exceptions during a fire ban are: commercial enclosed incinerators; residential charcoal and gas barbecue grills; welding within a 20-foot radius free of vegetation with fire extinguishers present; and oil and gas welding within a 20-foot radius free of vegetation and complying with state regulations.
Due to community demand, a key new feature in the proposal allows for the continued use of burn barrels during a fire ban.
However, burn barrels must be equipped with ¼ inch screen and only be used in a 20-foot radius that is free of vegetation.
Use of any type of fireworks will still be prohibited during a fire ban.
And whether the ban is in place or not, no open burning or fireworks are allowed when a Red Flag Day or High Wind Advisory are issued for the area by the National Weather Service because of dry conditions and/or high winds.
The proposed amendment adds the High Wind Advisory restriction.
Go to www.noaa.gov and type in the ZIP code to determine if the area is under a Red Flag or High Wind Advisory.
The fire ban ordinance will continue to require that any person burning shall notify dispatch at (970) 565-8441. Violators of the ordinance may be punished by a fine of up to $1,000.
There is an agricultural exemption to fire bans for burning in preparation for planting. Land zoned as "agricultural" does not automatically provide exemption for open burning.
Dispatch must still be contacted beforehand in ag exemption burns, and officials said they will advise that agricultural burning is not recommended during the fire ban, or when there is a Red Flag Day or High Wind Advisory.
A public hearing will be scheduled for the proposed amendments to the county fire ban ordinance.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com