Pitkin and Eagle counties joined Garfield County recently in instituting fire restrictions.

Pitkin and Eagle county's burn bans went into effect yesterday due to the risk of wildland fires caused by high winds, little rain and dry fuels.

The burn ban means fires are prohibited on private property except in gas grills, permanent charcoal grills and wood fires in permanent fire pits. Smoking is prohibited except in enclosed vehicles or buildings, and fireworks and other explosives are prohibited. Internal combustion engines (like those in chain saws or motorcycles) must have spark-arresting devices properly installed.

There are also some fire restrictions in place on Bureau of Land Management land. The BLM can be reached at 947-2800 for questions.

Local authorities have been debating over whether to issue a burn ban for weeks, but have held off until now in favor of a strong outreach campaign.