Wescott Fire Department Burn Permits

Open Burning / Prescribed Burn

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NO PERMITS ISSUED

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Open burning is NOT allowed within the Wescott Fire Protection District. Examples of fires that are classified as open burning are; ditch burning, leaf and trash burning, fires used for agriculture, forestry purposes, range or wildlife management, for the prevention or control of disease or pests.

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• DWFD has the authority to order any person(s) to cease any violation of these rules.

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Social / Bonfire Fires

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INSPECTION REQUIRED. PERMIT ISSUED FOR ONE DAY ONLY

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Social and Bonfires The 2003 International Fire Code (IFC) 302.1 defines these fires as being intended for warmth, religious, ceremonial or other special purposes. The total fuel area will be determined by the Chief (or his designee) at the time of the site inspection. In accordance with the 2003 IFC 307.3.1. the fire must be at least 50 feet away from any structure, vegetation or combustible material at all times and must be constantly monitored by a responsible citizen and an approved fire extinguishing method MUST be available in the immediate area.

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• This permit is good for only the day of the event and approval for this type of fire MAY require a fire department vehicle to be on site.

• DWFD has the authority to order any person(s) to cease any violation of these rules.

• Property Owner MUST call Wescott Station for a current burn/weather update the day of the fire.

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Recreational/Cooking Fires

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ONE TIME INSPECTION REQUIRED. PERMIT FOR UNLIMITED DATES

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Recreational fires are allowed within the Wescott Fire Protection District with an issued DWFD Burn Permit in accordance with the guidelines outlined below and only when a burn restriction or burn ban is not enacted. A recreational fire is an outdoor fire where materials other than rubbish are being burned, and are NOT contained in a manufactured appliance (such as an outdoor fireplace, BBQ grill). This fire area (also referred to as a Fire Pit or Fire Ring) must be of semi-permanent or permanent construction. They must not have a total fuel area greater than 3 feet in diameter and the fuel must be less than 2 feet in height. A recreational/cooking/campfire must be at least 25 feet away from any structure or combustible materials at all times and must be constantly monitored by a responsible citizen and with an approved fire extinguishing method available in the immediate area.

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• This fire permit requires a one-time only inspection and the permit will be issued for unlimited dates.

• This permit becomes void if any alterations are made to the fire pit/ring.

• DWFD has the authority to order any person(s) to cease any violation of these rules.

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BBQ, Commercial Fireplaces / Heating Devices

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NO PERMIT REQUIRED

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These fires (such as BBQs, gas-fueled fire pits, outdoor manufactured fireplaces, propane type heating devices) doNOT need a burn permit: however any outdoor fires must be at least 10 feet away from any structure and/or combustible materials at all times, and must be constantly attended by a responsible citizen with an approved fire extinguishing method on-hand. Citizens are required to use responsible behavior and safety precautions while cooking outdoors on private property during a Burn Ban.

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• DWFD has the authority to order any person(s) to cease any violation of these rules.

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Penalties

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Person(s) failing to comply with the terms of a Burn Restriction or Burn Ban shall be punished in accord with the Colorado State revised statutes law. Under Colorado state law a careless fire that threatens or damages life or property is fourth degree arson and shall be prosecuted as such.

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• The property owner assumes all liabilities, responsibilities and risks for any damages or injuries that may occur even with a valid permit.