Douglas County sheriff enacts fireworks ban

Douglas County is enacting a temporary ban on fireworks and open burning in unincorporated parts of the county.

Sheriff David Weaver enacted the fire restrictions Monday as the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning through Tuesday evening for the area, meaning conditions are ripe for extreme wildfire behavior. Forecasters are concerned that potential lightning strikes and gusts from dry thunderstorms could spark a fast-growing wildfire.

The red flag warning covers a large section of the southern half of Colorado including Colorado Springs, Trinidad, Grand Junction and Durango. Limon also is included.

Though Douglas County is banning open burning, grills in developed areas are allowed, as are small fires at developed picnic or campground sites within metal fire pits, if attended by an adult.