Breckenridge Reminds Residents and Guests to Follow the Five Commitments of Wildfire Containment

As several large fires burn across Colorado, the Town of Breckenridge reminds all our residents and guests to stay vigilant not only in regards to COVID-19 but for wildfires too. With our recent dry, hot weather, even a single spark could start a devastating wildfire. Just as the Five Commitments of COVID Containment protect our community, we are asking people to follow the Five Commitments of Wildfire Containment to keep Breckenridge safe:

In order to keep my community protected from wildfires:

I will have no illegal burns. With the current statewide fire ban in effect until September 19, 2020, no one in the state of Colorado should be conducting campfires or burns of any kind. The Town of Breckenridge and Summit County are both in Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, meaning even private fire pits are restricted from conducting burns. The only allowable burns are any fire contained within a fireplace, stove, wood burning stove, or pellet stove designed for and located within a fully enclosed permanent structure and gas/wood pellet grills. The current restrictions prohibit:

• Fires on private property.
• Fires in designated developed camping or picnic areas.
• Fires within dispersed camping areas or other forested areas.
• Use of a charcoal grill.

I will create defensible space. One of the best things a property owner can do to protect their home and neighbors from wildfire is to create defensible space. This means clearing out any vegetation near the home that could threaten the building if it were to catch on fire. Defensible space slows the spread of fire and gives firefighters a safe zone to work. It also reduces the chance of a fire spreading to neighboring properties or structures. For information on how to properly create defensible space, visit Summit County’s Wildfire Council Resources.

I will smoke only where allowed. A single errant flick of a cigarette from a car has been known to spark destructive wildfires. During fire season, smokers should practice extreme caution. During Stage 2 restrictions in Breckenridge, smoking is only allowed as long as the individual is at least three feet away from ALL natural vegetation and flammable materials. This includes grass, and smoking in any forested area is strictly prohibited. Please also refrain from flicking sparks out of a moving vehicle.

I will not set off fireworks or flares. While we love a good celebration, we don’t love one that sparks a wildfire. During Stage 2 fire restrictions, all fireworks and fireworks displays are prohibited, even the use of sparklers. This also includes any previously licensed display. Stage 2 restrictions also prohibit the use of any explosives like explosive targets or tracer ammunition. Tracer ammunition caused the Lake Christine Fire in Basalt the summer of 2018.

I will watch for unattended or illegal fires. Unfortunately, some people may still choose to ignore the fire restrictions and have campfires. We ask our guests and citizens to be vigilant while out on trail and notify the Forest Service at (970) 925-3445 of any unattended or illegal campfires. If possible, 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."

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and stop a wildfire before it starts. Over 80 percent of wildfires are human caused, which means we all play a role in protecting our community. Remember, not even a spark. Following these five commitments of containment ensure that we stop wildfire season in its tracks.