Level 2 Fire Ban

A Level 2 Fire Ban is enforced when there is very high fire danger in our fire district based on weather and moisture conditions. When a Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, a Level 2 Fire Ban is automatically put in place. 

What is NOT allowed under a Level 2 Fire Ban?Picture of grass fire and wildland firefighters with "No Open Burning" displayed

The following activities are prohibited on public and private property and all types of residences during a Level 2 Fire Ban:

  • All open burning and use of open flame, including recreational fires – if you cannot immediately turn it off by a switch, valve, knob or dial, you should not ignite it
  • Charcoal- or wood-fired BBQ grills
  • Chimineas
  • Wood-fired portable fireplaces and fire pits
  • In-ground, wood-fired fire pits 
  • Electric smokers using wood, chips, pellets or similar solid fuels
  • Fireworks – Fireworks are illegal year-round
  • Legal sparklers, highway flares and toy caps are also prohibited during a Level 2 fire ban
  • Launching model rockets or sky lanterns (note: sky lanterns are NEVER ALLOWED regardless of fire risk)
  • Smoking outdoors near combustible materials 
  • Tiki torches
  • Welding and cutting torch appliances unless operated within an area that is barren or cleared of all combustible materials at least 30 feet in all directions from the operating equipment
  • Burning trash (this is never allowed regardless of fire risk)
  • Bonfires
  • Agricultural burning

What is allowed under a Level 2 Fire Ban?

Single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes:propane fire pit

  • Propane fire pit
  • BBQ grills, fireplaces and fire pits fueled by propane or natural gas that can be immediately turned off by a switch, valve, dial or knob
  • Electric smokers that do not use solid fuels, such as wood, pellets, charcoal, etc.
  • Indoor fireplaces

Apartments, condominiums and hotels:

  • BBQ grills, portable fireplaces and portable fire pits fueled by propane or natural gas that can be turned off by a switch, valve, dial or knob are allowed only under the following conditions:
    • Appliance is located at least 10 feet from the structure, or,
    • The building, balcony and deck are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system, or,  
    • Appliance is a listed natural gas appliance installed in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code and supplied by the building’s natural gas system, or
    • Grill, fire pit, fireplace or cooking appliance fueled by a small 1-lb. LP-gas container (commonly used for camping). Two extra 1-lb. LP-gas containers may be stored on the balcony.
  • Electric smokers that do not use solid fuels, such as wood, pellets, charcoal, etc.
  • Indoor fireplaces

Permit Holders for Open Burning

No open burning is allowed on a Level 2 Fire Ban day, even if you obtained a burn permit from the fire department or health department.