Effective Thursday, June 14, the town of Buena Vista declared stage 2 fire restrictions, joining several agencies throughout Chaffee County including the United States Forest Service, the San Isabel National Forest, and San Carlos and Salida Ranger Districts.
“The action is taken due to the very dry conditions, lack of moisture and the long term forecast of little or no improvement of weather conditions,” said Town Clerk Paula Barnett in her official notification.
Stage 2 restrictions prohibit any kind of open fire within town limits, including any type of charcoal fire or grill. Stage 2 restrictions also preclude use of any kind of explosive materials, including fire works, blasting caps or incendiary devices, or smoking; except inside enclosed vehicles or buildings or in barren areas without flammable materials. Also prohibited: the use of any kind of welding or operation of an acetylene or similar torch within 20 feet of flammable materials, or the use of any internal combustion engines or saws except under very limited conditions.
The only exceptions Buena Vista will allow while under the stage 2 restrictions will be the use of LP gas or liquid fueled stoves that have on-off switches to the flame. Fires will be allowed in fireplaces within enclosed buildings, but only if the chimneys are equipped with fire screens on the flue.
“We’re asking that residents, business owners and visitors please be aware of the restrictions, and to check on the fire restrictions on a daily basis,” said Buena Vista Mayor Duff Lacy. “This fire danger situation is serious.”
For more information regarding current restrictions within the Town of Buena Vista, the town directs people to contact the Buena Vista Fire Department at 719-395-8098.
Those seeking information regarding surrounding areas such as county or federal lands, are directed to contact Chaffee County Dispatch at 719-539-2596.
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