For Immediate Release | June 17, 2021

Town of Avon to Implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Avon, CO – Due to the combination of unusually high temperatures and dry, windy conditions there is an increased risk for wildfires throughout Colorado. As a result, the Town of Avon will implement “Stage 1” fire restrictions beginning Friday, June 18^th at 12:00 a.m.
Eagle County, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, White River National Forest have implemented the same restrictions.
 
Prohibitions:

• No open fires of any type outside of developed areas, including charcoal.
• No smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• No use of explosive materials, including private fireworks and explosive targets.
• No welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with open flame, or any other spark producing device, except from an area that has been cleared of vegetation.
• No operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark arrestive device properly installed and in working order.

Fireworks are always prohibited in the West Avon Preserve, on BLM, National Forest and National Park Service lands.
 
Fire restrictions will be in place until further notice. Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both. Those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.
 
Due to the increased risk for wildland fires, the Town of Avon would like to encourage residents to take personal responsibility and prepare before a wildland fire occurs. Homes in or near forested areas are classified as Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas and are at risk in any wildfire event. To prevent a tragedy, you should be aware of wildfire hazards and what to do when a wildfire occurs in your area. 
 
Additionally, EC Alert is the emergency alert system for Eagle County. Subscribers can elect to receive time-sensitive emergency messages to their phone, desktop and/or mobile device based on chosen alert areas and categories. Non-emergency messaging from EC Alerts, such as traffic alerts, area alerts, business alerts and red flag warnings are only sent via email and the Everbridge App. Emergency messaging such as gas leaks, evacuations and wildfires are sent via text, phone calls, email and the Everbridge App. Even if you have signed up in the past, residents are encouraged to verify their notification settings at www.ecalert.org.

Contact the Eagle River Fire Protection District at 970-748-9665 to determine the wildfire hazard in your area, and what can be done to reduce the hazard.
 
The Town will continue to monitor weather conditions and dry fuel levels for the next few weeks leading up to the 35^th annual Salute to the USA in Harry A. Nottingham Park on July 3, 2021.

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