Fire Management Guidelines | Town of Walden, CO

Contacts:

U.S. Wildland Fire Service: Geoffery Harrison (970) 826-5080

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office: (970) 723-4242

Fire Management Guidelines for Agricultural Debris Burning

KEEP IT CONTROLLED

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, North Park Fire Rescue, Town of Walden, Jackson County Emergency Management, the Department of Interior U.S. Wildland Fire Service, and the Bureau of Land Management encourage residents of Northwest Colorado to follow responsible agricultural and debris burning practices. The lack of adequate moisture during the winter of 2025-2026 has resulted in an accumulation of dead vegetation, significantly increasing fire risk. Residents are advised to exercise heightened caution to prevent accidental ignition and reduce the likelihood of rapid-fire spread.

Planning a controlled burn:

We ask that you contact Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 970-723-4242, informing Jackson County dispatch the day you are burning, phone number and the location of your controlled burn.

Recommendations For Responsible Burning:

Check your location: Controlled burns are allowed in Jackson County but not within Walden city limits.
Weather Awareness: Avoid burning on windy days. Always check the weather forecast for the day you intend to burn.
Know Fire Restrictions: Stay informed about any active fire restrictions in your area.
Safety Equipment: Keep a shovel and a sufficient amount of water nearby to control or extinguish the fire as needed.

Never Leave Fires Unattended: Always monitor fire until it is fully extinguished to prevent accidents.

Legal Responsibilities:

Be aware that if an agricultural or debris burn results in damage to private, state, or federally managed lands, you may be subject to fines and liable for all associated suppression costs.

Stay safe and responsible while burning.

Special thanks to the National System of Public Lands / US Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management; North Park Fire Rescue; Jackson County; Jackson County Sheriff’s Office; and the Town of Walden.