Wildland Fire
Jefferson County Fire Restrictions
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is the official enforcing authority for fire restrictions and burn bans in unincorporated Jefferson County, Colorado.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Unincorporated Jefferson County
Unincorporated Jefferson County is in a Stage 1 Fire Restriction until further notice.
Why Restrictions Remain Despite Snowfall
Despite the recent snowfall on Friday, March 6th across Jefferson County, unincorporated lands for Jefferson County remain in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.
The 2025–2026 winter has set many new records including the least amount of snowfall and numerous record-setting temperatures. Combine these factors with frequent high wind events the county has experienced, both soil and vegetation moisture levels are extremely deficit resulting in the potential for large fire growth. The latest forecasts for Jefferson County, and the region as a whole, indicates a rapid return to below normal moisture and above normal temperatures along with all of Jefferson County now in Severe or Extreme drought, which will further heighten wildfire risk and minimize potential benefits from individual snow or rain events.
Loading drought & weather map...
Source images (click to enlarge):
The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Map courtesy of NDMC.
Unincorporated Jefferson County will remain in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions until a more regular and normal weather pattern is established bringing multiple wet storms and more seasonable temperatures. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Wildland Fire Management Team, in conjunction with other fire partners and neighboring counties, continuously monitors weather, soil and vegetation conditions to assess overall fire risk and will make fire restriction recommendations as needed.
Reminder: Jefferson County Parks and Open Space as well as Denver Mountain Parks lands are always in Stage 2 Fire Ban. Check with your local municipalities or fire department for fire restrictions in incorporated/municipal areas.
Stage 1: What is Prohibited
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, open burning is not allowed anywhere in unincorporated Jefferson County. Avoid any outdoor activities that may cause a spark or flame:
Campfires
Charcoal grills
Slash burns
Outdoor welding
Throwing cigarettes or matches outdoors
See detailed Stage 1 legal provisions for exemptions and full definitions.
How to Prepare
Help share the message with family, friends, and neighbors that any outdoor activity that could cause a spark or flame should not take place.
Be Ready
- Be alert and be prepared to take action. If you see smoke, call 911. Be prepared to evacuate should a fire ignite.
- Bring in or secure anything that could blow from your yard and could become a hazard (patio furniture, trash cans, decorations, etc.).
- Lock gates: use carabiners, padlocks, or strong latches on all gates to prevent them from blowing open.
- Bring pets indoors: the safest option is to bring pets inside. If pets must be kept outdoors, keep them under direct supervision, on a leash, or in a secure kennel. Ensure all pets wear collars with updated ID tags.
Defensible Space
Any time we get a run of hot, dry, or windy weather, wildfire risk goes right back up. On those days, you may see Red Flag Warnings and even temporary fire restrictions return. This is the perfect window to take action around your home:
- Clear out dry brush, broken limbs, and leaves.
- Create and maintain defensible space around your home.
- Sign up for Lookout Alerts so you'll know right away if conditions change in your neighborhood.
Violations & Penalties
Pursuant to County Policy Part: 3, Chapter 6, Section 2, authorizing the Declaration of Open Fire Bans, violations of these prohibitions, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.00. Such act(s) violate section(s) 102.8 and/or 308.2 of the International Fire Code.
Fire Potential Outlook
Monthly fire potential forecast for Jefferson County from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) Predictive Services. This is a federal forecast and does not determine local fire restrictions — restriction decisions are made independently by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office based on local conditions.
7-Day Fire Potential Forecast
Daily significant fire potential for the Northern Front Range from NIFC Predictive Services. This forecast does not determine local fire restrictions — see the current restriction status above.
Stage 2: Fire Ban
A Stage 2 fire ban is a complete ban that adds prohibitions on bonfires, fireworks, smoking outdoors, sky lanterns, Tiki torches, trash burns, and more beyond Stage 1 restrictions.
View Stage 2 detailsRed Flag Warnings
When the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for Jefferson County, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are automatically implemented until 11:59 PM on the last day of the warning period.
View Red Flag detailsFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about fire restrictions in Jefferson County, Colorado.
Contact Information
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office · 200 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401