DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — Douglas County residents are heading into Memorial Day weekend with summer on their minds, even as a Stage 1 fire ban limits some traditional holiday activities.
The ban prohibits open burning and fireworks across the county. But Larkspur Fire Chief Timothy McCawley told Denver7 Friday the restrictions do not have to mean the end of outdoor fun.
"You can do the commercial fire pits, you can do the ones with screens on them, the ones that are fueled by propane. You can't do like large bonfires and stuff like that," McCawley said.
Denver7's Tyler Melito spoke with fire officials about what people can do to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend in the video below:
Residents say they are adjusting their plans accordingly.
"Obviously no bonfires or anything this year, but any chance outside that I can get to just sit on my patio, or like, try to roast them s'mores, something like that," shared Mallory Burbage.
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Despite recent rainfall bringing some relief, McCawley says the fire danger remains.
"It hasn't really changed the fuel models and how they're actually looking right now," McCawley detailed.
The Larkspur Fire District covers 110-square miles. McCawley says his team will be prepared wherever they are needed as holiday crowds arrive.
"We are expecting increased traffic to those areas with our outdoor enthusiasts that love to come down and use the walking trails and the biking trails that we have," McCawley said.
For many in the area, the holiday weekend is still a welcome chance to get outside and connect with neighbors.
"The community is really small, so you always see people that you know, and it's always good seeing people," said Kyndal Story.
"I love this time of year. I like it when it's still a little bit cooler, so it's like 70s, it's not quite in the 90s, hundreds yet," said Burbage.
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