Montrose, COLO.-- Montrose County implemented fire restrictions due to the drought conditions throughout the entire county per Board of County Commissioners Resolution No. 28-2013. Montrose County Sheriff Rick Dunlap, the county’s fire warden, noted that moisture levels are dropping daily and are already at critical levels in lower elevations. The ban includes all open fires, contained open fires, fireworks and public fireworks displays in the unincorporated areas of Montrose County.

The fire ban is set to last until August 31, unless Sheriff Dunlap amends or withdraws it. Please be advised that penalties for violating the fire ban include: a Class-2 petty offense with fines ranging from $100 to $500 depending on the number of offenses. For more information, please see the BOCC Resolution No. 28-2013.