Wildfire Prevention and Fire Restrictions

More than 80 percent of wildfires are caused by humans, so each of us plays a role in preventing a wildfire. It’s important to be aware of and abide by current fire restrictions. And it’s important to understand wildfire prevention strategies related to camping, campfires, driving, outdoor equipment use, smoking, shooting and more.

Take the Pledge to be Wildfire READY

Take the Pledge

Summit County Fire Restrictions

The Summit County Board of Commissioners lifted Stage 1 fire restrictions at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 30 due to the seasonal monsoonal storm pattern. 

We urge our residents and visitors to continue to use caution and make responsible personal choices as they relate to behaviors that could affect our forests and open space.

Restrictions in Other Counties

For information about fire restrictions in other counties, view statewide fire restriction and fire danger information across Colorado.

Wildfire Prevention Strategies

Summit County, in partnership with local towns and the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest, is using a variety of strategies to prevent wildfire. Join us in our efforts by reviewing the info below and taking appropriate action. Help us stop a wildfire before it starts.

  1. Campfires
  2. Vehicles
  3. Smoking
  4. Shooting
  5. Equipment
  6. Debris Burning

Campfire Safety to Prevent Wildfire

  • Check For Restrictions: Find out if local fire restrictions are in place: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, and Summit County’s year-round fire regulations, allow recreational outdoor fires only in developed campgrounds, inside permanent fire pits or fire grates; or in commercially manufactured fireplaces on private property for which the owner has obtained a valid permit from the local fire district. Outdoor fireplaces must be placed on barren ground 15 feet from any flammable material or structure and have a protective screen to catch embers. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions prohibit campfires altogether.
  • Burn Safely: Keep all recreational fires small, and always have a charged hose, 2A10BC fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby. A responsible adult should monitor the fire until it is completely out. Unattended campfires are one of the most common causes of wildfires.
  • Put Out Completely: Drown the fire with water, and stir with a shovel to wet all ash and coals. Feel them with the back of your hand – they should be cool to the touch. Move some dirt onto the fire site and mix thoroughly to create a cool, wet "soup."

Wildfire Prevention Patrol

Summit County has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to conduct wildfire prevention patrols. A four-person U.S. Forest Service crew is patrolling the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest throughout the summer.

The crew conducts campsite monitoring, visitor contacts and fire-prevention messaging throughout the Dillon Ranger District, which is located entirely within Summit County. Crew members inform visitors about U.S. Forest Service and Summit County regulations that protect natural resources and prevent wildfires. Contact with individuals in undeveloped, dispersed campsites is the top priority. In addition to the USFS crew, personnel from the Summit County Sheriff's Office also conducts fire-prevention patrol work.

The Wildfire Prevention Patrol is a Summit County Strong Future initiative.

More than 80% of wildfires are caused by humans.

Wildfire Evacuation Kit

Below is a list of items to consider including in your household's wildfire evacuation kit. The items in your kit may vary depending on the needs and priorities of your household, as well as the circumstances of a given wildfire, such as the scale of the incident and access to food, water and shelter.  
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, diapers, baby food)
  • Batteries
  • Can opener
  • Cash
  • Clothing, hats, sturdy shoes
  • Duct tape
  • Emergency blanket and/or sleeping bags
  • Emergency contact information
  • Family contact information
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Food: Non-perishable, 3-day supply
  • Games and books
  • Glasses and contact lenses
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Items of sentimental value that could not be replaced
  • Keys: House, vehicles
  • Matches
  • Medical items, devices, records and information
  • Medication: 7-day supply; list of medications
  • Multi-tool
  • Personal documents (proof of address, home lease/deed, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Pet supplies: food, leash, carrier, bowl
  • Phone, tablet, laptop and power cords
  • Rain gear
  • Scissors
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, moisturizer, razor, soap, sun screen, hair brush)
  • Towels
  • Water: 3 gallons/person
  • Whistle
  • Work gloves