Teller County Doubles Down in Aggressive Prevention Efforts
Stage Two Ban Remains in Place
Trevor Phipps and Rick Langenberg
As giant blazes rage across Colorado and other western states, local fire concerns have escalated to a danger level not seen in years.
The region got a slight reprieve last weekend with temperatures cooling off slightly from a sizzling, near record peak during the earlier week. Also, local communities did their part in reducing the possibility of a devastating wildfire by cancelling fireworks shows planned for the Independence holiday in Teller’s two largest cities. This marked the first time in recent years these shows got the boot due to dangerous conditions.
In addition, the sheriff’s office aggressively upped enforcement in forest service areas against anyone violating the county’s Stage 2 fire ban.
Still, many residents urged officials to do more, such as moving the county into a Stage 3 fire ban, which basically would shut down many public recreation areas and outdoor-related commercial activities. Based on social media posts, many believe it’s time to relay a critical message regarding the extreme fire dangers area residents in Teller County face.
Over the past two weeks, nearly 10 wildfires have swept across Colorado and the surrounding region, burning thousands of acres.
Fireworks Shows Delayed
In a series of announcements in late June, city officials in Teller County gave the news many thought was inevitable: There wouldn’t be any fireworks for the Fourth of July in Woodland Park or Cripple Creek, even as both areas heavily publicized their efforts to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.
The city of Cripple Creek issued a press release on June 29 saying that Fire Chief Joe O’Conor made the decision to suspend the Fourth of July fireworks display and had the full support of Cripple Creek Mayor Annie Durham. The press release stated that the city plans on rescheduling the fireworks display to a later date when “weather and resource conditions allow for a safe event.”
“Our priority is public safety and ensuring we can respond to active fires and other emergencies,” said Fire Chief O’Conor. “It would not be responsible to proceed with a fireworks display under these circumstances.”
The city of Woodland Park also sent out a similar announcement the same day. “One of the hardest parts of serving a mountain community is knowing that sometimes the safest decision isn’t the most popular one,” the city government stated. “After careful evaluation of current wildfire and environmental conditions, and with the support of NETCO professionals, the city has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display.”
These announcements followed a big escalation of wildfires that ignited across the state, destroying more than 100 structures and leading to the death of three federal firefighters in western Colorado. Dry, windy conditions have made the already high fire danger much worse. Further, many of the local firefighting resources are being utilized to fight other Colorado fires.
No Local Threat, Yet
The fire threat hit close to home a little more than a week ago when the County Road 11 fire ignited near the Fremont and Teller County border. The fire was first measured at just over 50 acres before spreading to more than 100 acres in a day.
However, according to Teller County Sheriff Public Information Officer (PIO) Tommy Allen, the fire was basically contained and County Road 11, just past the Teller County border, had been reopened. Allen did say that there were some firefighting resources from Teller County being utilized there.
At press time, Teller County appeared relatively safe as there were no wildfires burning nearby. However, other areas in the state were still at risk, and heavy-duty evacuations were mounting.
The Aspen Acres fire southwest of Colorado Springs near Beulah and Rye had scorched mor than 23,000 acres and sparked a considerable amount of subdivision evacuations. The 1,261-acre Willow Fire was heading west and threatening the evacuation of the entire city of Leadville.
Further west, the Gold Mountain Fire forced evacuations near Ouray. Three firefighters recently died while fighting the Knowles Fire located on the Colorado Utah border. Initial reports indicate they may have been trapped due to the changing wind directions, which seriously impacted those battling the Snyder Mesa blaze that has already scorched more than 30,000 acres. Colorado Governor Jared Polis has already declared a statewide emergency disaster, action that activates the state’s emergency operations plan.
Teller Deputies Continue “Zero Tolerance” Enforcement Operation
Just prior to the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Allen said that the sheriff’s office was anticipating a high number of tourists coming into the county. As a result, the sheriff’s office decided to bulk up enforcement inside the county’s national forest areas even more than previous efforts. Along with issuing citations for those lighting illegal fires, the deputies also looked for people lighting any type of fireworks.
Since the Teller Sheriff’s Office launched their “zero tolerance” campaign in the national forests, they have issued 91 citations mostly for illegal fires.
Although some residents want sterner action, Allen said that the sheriff’s office doesn’t anticipate elevating the fire ban to a Stage 3 level because most activities that start fires are already outlawed. In addition, Allen says authorities don’t believe a stricter ban would add many more restrictions.
“If people pay attention and follow their p’s and q’s there will be no fire to catch with all of this wind,” Allen said. “We are still seeing issues with people following just the Stage 2 ban. I don’t think a Stage 3 is going to take us to a point where it cancels enough things to make it any safer.”
Allen said law officers and first responders this time of year are mostly concerned about people going out into the national forests and setting off fireworks. “Even things as small as a sparkler, if people go running around in the forest with a sparkler you could certainly do damage with that because the sparks fly off and they land in the grass and stuff,” Allen said. “So, fireworks at any level are absolutely a no-go.”
The sheriff’s department plans to keep a high law enforcement presence inside the county’s national forest throughout the duration of the summer season. The sheriff’s office promises to maintain their “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to illegal fires, as long as the Stage 2 fire ban stays in place.
If deputies catch anyone with campfires or fireworks, they will receive a citation and a fine.
