Fire codes that apply year-round in the Town of Vail

While Eagle County has a tier of restrictions below Stage 1, the Town of Vail operates at the equivalent of the county’s Stage 1 fire restrictions year-round.

Fireworks
The use of all personal fireworks is prohibited in the Town of Vail. Professional fireworks displays are allowed. 

Open Burning (burning wood or other materials that could produce an ember) 
Open burning, bonfires, and recreational fires are prohibited in the Town of Vail regardless of fire restriction status.

Use of Outdoor Fire appliances
The use of permanent and portable outdoor fire appliances is permitted within the Town of Vail during stage 1 fire restrictions when used in accordance with Town of Vail Code (Section 10-1-4). Approved portable outdoor fireplaces are allowable under the following conditions:

·       A spark arresting screen is used

·       Not within 15’ of a structure or combustible material

·       The portable outdoor fireplace is attended by an adult

·       There is a means of extinguishment present (i.e. shovel, water, extinguisher, etc)

·       The smoke is not creating a nuisance

·       The unit is not being used as a short-term rental

·       No Red Flag Warnings have been posted through the NWS

Charcoal
Use of charcoal grills is permitted with the exception of multifamily dwellings.  All grills must have a non-combustible metal trash can with tight fitting lid within ten feet of the grill.  Hot coals are not to be left unattended and shall be disposed of properly in the provided metal can. A garden hose, handheld extinguisher, dirt or filled water buck should be readily available in proximity to the grill.

Outdoor Fireplaces
Use of permanently affixed and portable gas fire appliances is permitted.  Appliance must be equipped with a valve to shut off use if needed. Gas fired appliances (grills, fire pits, stoves, etc.) are allowed but only use in an area at least 3 feet from flammable vegetation.

Smoking
The Town of Vail municipal code restricts the areas in which smoking is allowed.  Smoking is not permitted within 15 feet of entrances to buildings and outdoor eating areas as well as outdoor recreation areas. 

Firearms
Discharging of firearms within the Town of Vail is prohibited regardless of fire restriction status.

Welding/hotwork
All hot work including welding and cutting requires a hot work permit and site inspection by Vail Fire & Emergency Services. The jobsite shall have a 30-foot circumference area cleared of combustible vegetation or materials. Where separation distances are not physically possible, welding blankets shall be used to cover combustible materials. A garden hose or handheld dry chemical extinguisher with a minimum rating of 3A:20BC shall be readily available for use and staged not more than 30 feet from the work area (Section 10-1-1).

When Eagle County moves into Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, the Town of Vail also moves to Stage 2 restrictions.

Fireworks and explosives
Fireworks including sparklers and all types of explosives are prohibited from use.

Open Burning (burning wood or other materials that could produce an ember)
No open burning is allowed within town. Use of portable outdoor fireplaces, firepits, chimneys or other wood burning appliance is prohibited.

Charcoal
The use of charcoal grills is prohibited except in areas where the grill is permanently affixed on or around a non-combustible surface and no less than thirty feet from combustible vegetation, combustible materials or forested areas. All grills must have a non-combustible metal trash can with tight fitting lid within ten feet of the grill. Hot coals are not to be left unattended and shall be disposed of properly in the provided metal can. A garden hose, hand held extinguisher, dirt or filled water bucket should be readily available in proximity to the grill.

Gas Fired Appliances
Use of permanently affixed and portable outdoor gas fire appliances is permitted. Appliance must be equipped with a valve to shut off use if needed. Portable outdoor units must be used in an area at least 3 feet from flammable vegetation.

Smoking
Outdoor smoking is allowed only in designated areas that are hardscaped or paved and are well clear of combustible vegetation or materials. Cigarettes or other lit items are to be disposed of in ash trays or cans.

Discharge of Firearms
Using an explosive including but not limited to blasting caps, rockets, exploding targets and tracer or incendiary ammunition are prohibited. It is always illegal to discharge a firearm within town limits.

Hot work and welding
All outdoor hot work, cutting, grinding or welding must be approved by the fire department.

USEFUL FIRE RESOURCES

The latest information regarding current Eagle County fire restriction status, categories and additional safety information | Ecemergency

Current fire information | InciWeb

Fire and smoke map | fire.airnow.gov

Air quality monitoring | PurpleAir

Sign up for emergency alerts | ecalert

Provide essential information about your household for local first responders | Vail Community Connect

Make sure you have an evacuation plan in place | Vail EVAC plan

Tips on preparing for a wildfire in Vail | Wildfire Ready