Breckenridge, CO – At the June 26 regular meeting, the Breckenridge Town Council declared additional fire restrictions in coordination with Stage II Fire Restrictions instituted by Summit County and the U.S. Forest Service. The current fire danger is at an “extreme” level, and the weather forecast predicts continued dryness with the potential for high winds.

The fire restrictions imposed by the Town of Breckenridge strictly prohibit and make it unlawful for a person to engage in any activity that poses a significant risk of starting a wildfire. Restrictions include:

– Building, maintaining, attending or using any fire or campfire, coal, or wood burning stove. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: commercially designed outdoor fireplaces, gas fueled fire pits or chimineas, gas fueled heaters or lamps, outdoor candles, luminaries, and tiki torches.

– Smoking at the Breckenridge Golf Club or in any forested/unimproved natural areas.

– Disposing out of doors any burning object, including without limitation cigarettes, cigars, or matches.

– Operating a chainsaw without an approved spark arrester, 5 gallons of water, a 2A10BC classified dry chemical fire extinguisher and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches. The fire extinguisher must be immediately accessible to the equipment operator. The water and shovel may be kept with fueling supplies but must be readily available for use.

– Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, without a permit or letter of authorization from the Town.

– Inflating and propelling hot air balloons.

Restrictions do not include the use of liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves or fires in fireplaces contained within buildings.

“In this time of extreme fire danger it is incumbent on all of us to be diligent in our use of fire producing products” said Police Chief Shannon Haynes. “The Department will take a zero tolerance approach to violations of the Mayor’s Declaration and the Town of Breckenridge Municipal Court will assess fines up to $999 with possible jail time of 364 days for convicted offenders.”

Residents and guests are encouraged to call the Police Department at (970) 453-2941 or the Red, White and Blue Fire Department at (970) 453-2474 with questions on what is acceptable.