Pitkin, Eagle impose burn bans

The sheriffs of Pitkin and Eagle counties banned fires on private lands Monday because of hot, dry weather.

Eagle County’s fire ban, which affects the El Jebel and Basalt areas, took effect right after midnight Mon­day. Pitkin County Sheriff Bob Braudis enacted a fire ban shortly before 2 p.m. Garfield County had already banned fires.

The bans do not affect campgrounds and the back­country in the White River National Forest, which surrounds Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley.

“Due to the unseasonably warm and dry weather patterns, all the fire protection agencies are support­ing the decision to place restrictions in effort for Eagle County,” said a statement from the Eagle County Sheri­ff’s Office.

The bans in Eagle and Pitkin counties are essential­ly identical. They prohibit having a fire, campfire, coal or wood burning stove or any type of charcoal fueled broiler in “any developed areas.” Smoking is prohibit­ed except in an enclosed vehicle or building. All fire­works are prohibited. No welding can occur outdoors. No combustion engine, like on a motorcycle or chain­saw, can be operated without a spark-arresting device.

Eagle County residents of the Roaring Fork Valley can call the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office at 970-328­8500 or the Basalt Fire Department at 704-0675 if they have questions.

Pitkin County residents can call the sheriff’s office at 920-5300 or the Aspen Fire Department at 925-5532.