Ryan Geese, a county resident, asked the Huerfano County Board of Commissioners during public comment to clarify wording in a fire-restrictions amendment and whether rock campfire rings or firepans are allowed on private property during restricted stages.

Geese described his ring as "an 8 foot ring" on private property and asked, "can I use my rock ring or my fire pan?" He noted the ordinance language authorizes campfires "within developed or improved campgrounds, picnic grounds, private residences in areas cleared at least 6 feet of flammable materials" but also says rock campfire rings and firepans are "considered temporary and are not acceptable," creating confusion about application to private residences.

County staff (Ken, staff member) responded that whether a particular ring or pan is permitted during a Stage 1 or Stage 2 restriction depends on whether the feature is a permanent, constructed fire location. "If it's a permanently constructed thing, so it's concrete ... that's usually fine," Ken said, while "temporary" rock rings or a ring made of loosely arranged rocks would likely be treated as temporary and not allowed during restrictions. He advised Geese to contact his local fire chief for an on-site review and said the billing office or the fire chief could be asked to inspect and provide direction.

Staff emphasized the enforcement pathway: during a restricted stage, a fire chief or sheriff's office responding to a call could determine whether a fire feature is permanent and whether fines or enforcement are appropriate. Geese cited a $250 fine in his question; staff did not dispute the fine amount but said enforcement would follow the local fire chief's determination and the adopted code.

The exchange focused on interpretation rather than a policy vote; staff recommended residents seeking clarity have their local fire district inspect a pit and provide written guidance to avoid enforcement risk.