For Immediate Release: July 30, 2008
Communications Specialist
Lisa Wilson, 303-538-7282, or
Thornton Fire Education Officer
Angela Driskell, 303-538-7657

Thornton issues open burning restriction

Hot, dry conditions make grass fires a major concern

THORNTON, CO…With hot, dry conditions scorching the Colorado landscape, the Thornton Fire Department has issued a restriction on open burning in the City until further notice. “We want to take a proactive approach,” says Thornton Fire Public Education Officer Angela Driskell. “Due to the extremely dry conditions we believe it’s in the best interest of the community to ban certain types of fires in the City.”  The restriction means all open burning is now prohibited in Thornton. Open burning includes:

• burning wood
• vegetation, or other combustible materials for agricultural purposes
• wildlife management
• bonfires, or other approved purposes 

All open burning activities within the City require an open burning permit. This restriction prohibits anyone that has a current permit from burning until further notice. 

Recreational burning is allowed at single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses without a permit. But these requirements must be met:

• Only small fires are allowed (maximum 3-foot diameter by 2-foot height) that are contained in a non-combustible chiminea, outdoor fireplace, fire pit, or other approved method
• All openings in the container must be covered with wire mesh or other screening materials that will prevent the passage of sparks and embers.
• Fires must be kept at least 15 feet from structures
• Fires must be constantly attended
• The burning of yard waste, leaves, garbage, or other rubbish is prohibited in the City

Thornton is sponsoring numerous National Night Out parties throughout the City on August 5, and a major aspect of the neighborhood get-togethers is barbequing. “National Night Out is a fabulous and fun neighborhood event where residents spend the evening outside and get to know everyone on their block,” says Driskell. “We’re not asking folks to forgo this summer tradition, just be extra careful when it comes to the use of barbeques and grills.”  

Some barbeque safety tips to keep in mind this summer: 

• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and branches.   
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
• Use long-handled grilling tools to have plenty of clearance from heat and flames.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

 “We have had fires that are a result of careless burning and disposal of charcoal briquettes,” says Driskell. “However, we are issuing this restriction and caution to make citizens aware of how our current hot, dry conditions cause a major fire concern.”

 While the Fourth of July holiday has passed, the ban on the use of fireworks within the City limits continues. Fireworks, even sparklers can start a fire. Anyone caught using fireworks could receive a $1000 fine.

The following items are also likely to spark and start a fire so the Thornton Fire Department also asks that citizens use extreme caution and care when operating:

• vehicles with catalytic converters
• chain saws
• lawn care equipment that doesn't have spark arrestors
• outdoor chimineas, outdoor fire places and fire pits
• barbeque grills that use charcoal

It is always recommended that people who smoke be aware of their surroundings and properly extinguish and dispose of cigarettes.   

For more information on the fire restrictions, contact Thornton Fire Public Education Officer Angela Driskell at 303-538-7657.

 

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