EVACUATION PREPAREDNESS

To learn WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU MUST EVACUATE, visit our home page at EVACUATION LEVELS have been established and are supported by the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office and the Gilpin County Board of County Commissioners. They are as follows: LEVEL 1: A Level 1 Evacuation means be ready. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area. You should make preparations to be ready to leave, and then monitor local media outlets. Residents with special needs (such as the elderly or those with a susceptibility to breathing problems) are advised to evacuate. People with livestock or pets should consider moving them out of the area. Evacuations at this time are voluntary, but if you have concerns, evacuate now. LEVEL 2: A Level 2 Evacuation means leave soon. There is significant potential of danger in your area, and residents should relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside the affected area. You need to leave as soon as possible. LEVEL 3: A Level 3 Evacuation means leave immediately. Danger in your area is current and imminent. There is no time to gather belongings. Leave immediately.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions In Effect in Gilpin County

Effective at 1:00 p.m. today, June 12, 2013, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be in effect for all of Gilpin County. The restrictions are as follows: • NO building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire* without a permit EXCEPT in a developed camp or picnic ground. The following actions ARE permitted: petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices providing such devices meet the fire underwriters’ specifications for safety. • NO smoking unless in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. • NO operation of welding, acetylene, or other torches with an open flame. • NO operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order. Exemptions: • Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission. • Resident owners and leasers of land within the restricted area are exempt from above restrictions providing such fires are within the residence. • Any Federal, State or Local Officer or member of an organized firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. * A stove fire is defined as a campfire built inside an enclosed stove or grill, portable brazier, or a pressurized liquid or gas stove, including a space-heating device. If you need further information, please call the Gilpin County Sheriff’s Office at 303-582-1060 M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or after hours call the Dispatch Office at 303-582-5500.

Forest Service Lifts Fire Restrictions in Gilpin County

08/02/12 - 1700 - Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland Fire Restrictions Lifted www.fs.usda.gov/arp (August 2, 2012) – Stage I Fire Restrictions and related restrictions on discharging firearms were lifted this morning on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (ARP). Recent moisture has changed fire conditions enough to lift the restrictions on the ARP. Visitors are reminded that conditions can change quickly so it is important to continue to be careful with every fire, and make sure campfires are completely out. Visitors are also encouraged to check the status of local county fire restrictions (currently there are no fire restrictions in Gilpin County) that may still be in place and affect campfires, shooting and other activities on the National Forests System lands. Recreational shooters are reminded that local closures and target restrictions are still in place. For more information about recreational shooting on the ARP visit: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/targetshooting .

FIRE RESTRICITONS REMOVED

Effective at noon on July 31, 2012, the fire restrictions for Gilpin County have been removed. If you need further information, please call the Gilpin County Sheriff's Office at 303-582-1060 M-F 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or after hours call the Dispatch Office at 303-582-5500.

For Forest Service fire restrictions go to www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=11122

Modification to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

July 17, 2012 - 4:00 p.m. - The Stage 1 Fire Restrictions have been modified to allow for the use of a charcoal grill at a private residence, however, fire pits are still banned. Please check the Gilpin County website at www.co.gilpin.co.us and click on the red box for complete details on current fire restrictions.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS MODIFIED

July 17, 2007 - Due to wet, cool weather conditions over the last few weeks, the fire restrictions for Gilpin County are being modified to Stage 1 restrictions. This modification is effective today, July 17, 2012 at 12:00 noon. For detailed fire restrictions click here:  co.gilpin.co.us

UPDATED FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR GILPIN COUNTY

Revised July 9, 2012 – Gilpin County is still under Stage II fire restrictions, however, due to the wet, cool weather conditions over the last few days, these restrictions have been modified as follows: 


There is no open burning allowed of any kind anywhere in Gilpin County. This includes campfires, bonfires, slash piles, charcoal grills, regardless of location. Only liquid gas or propane fueled cooking stoves will be allowed for outdoor use. Pellet stoves, wood stoves and fireplaces ONLY INSIDE a residence may be used.

Gilpin County has restricted outdoor shooting under this revised Stage II Fire Restriction.

Under a Stage II Fire Restrictions the following acts are prohibited:

 Open fires, except when using a petroleum fueled stove, grill, or lantern in an area that has been cleared of all vegetation three feet on all sides.

 Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building unless exemption has been granted.

 No using explosive material: (i.e.: fireworks, blasting caps or any incendiary device which may result in the ignition of flammable material).

 No welding or operating acetylene or other similar torch outdoors that produces an open flame capable of igniting flammable material.

 Using any internal or external combustion engine without a properly working spark arresting device meeting USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-1a as amended or Appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J335(b) and J350(a).

 No use of any vehicle off road.

 Operating a chainsaw without an approved spark arrestor, and without a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (not less than 8 oz. by weight and one size 0 or larger) and a round-point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches readily available. Must not operate a chainsaw out of the hours of 5:00 am and 11:00 am.

 No discharging a firearm outdoors. Law enforcement is exempt.

These restrictions will remain in place until further notice; depending on weather additional restrictions may be implemented. Please visit Gilpin County’s website at www.co.gilpin.co.us for the latest information on the fire restrictions. You may also contact the Sheriff’s Office at (303) 582-1060 with any questions and clarifications.

Information about other state and county fire restrictions can be found on Colorado Division of Emergency Management website at www.coemergency.com.