Effective Thursday, July 2, 2026, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place across unincorporated Douglas County, including Highlands Ranch, due to heightened fire danger.

Use of charcoal grills in our Metro District parks is not allowed under Stage 2 restrictions, and they will be covered.

Stage 2 Restrictions:

Not allowed:

• Open burning of any kind.
• Use of fireworks – including professional firework displays
• Use of fires in chimineas, other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits.
• Campfires at developed campgrounds or picnic areas.
• Use of model rockets.

Allowed:

• Fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, grills, fire pits, or other gas- or liquid-fueled appliances.
• Residential use of charcoal grill fires when such use is supervised by a responsible party at least 18 years of age.
• Fires contained within fireplaces and wood burning stoves within buildings only
• Fire suppression or fire department training fires.

Violation of these fire restrictions is a Class-2 Petty Offense, punishable by up to a $1000.00 fine and a $10.00 surcharge.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office urges all residents and visitors to exercise caution and help us prevent wildfires during this high-risk period.

Visit the Douglas County Sheriff's Office online newsroom for more details.