Town of Winter Park

09/08/2026

🔥 Grand County’s fire restrictions have been reduced from Stage Two to Stage One, effective Wednesday, September 9, at 12:01 a.m. Under Stage One, open fires remain prohibited outside developed recreation sites, including dispersed campfires. Please check current restrictions at GCEmergency.com before heading outdoors. Grand County Sheriff's Office - Colorado Grand County Wildfire Council

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, the Grand County Colorado Board of County Commissioners approved reducing Grand County’s fire restrictions from Stage Two to Stage One, effective Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

The Grand County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with local fire districts and federal partners, consistently monitors fire conditions and evaluates the need for fire restrictions. These decisions are based on a scientific fire restriction matrix used throughout northwest Colorado.

Grand County had previously been under Stage Two Fire Restrictions. After reviewing current conditions and the latest available data, Sheriff Brett Schroetlin recommended reducing restrictions to Stage One. The Commissioners approved the recommendation through Resolution No. 2026-09-5.

The Commissioners’ decision is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Sheriff, local fire districts, the Bureau of Land Management’s Kremmling Field Office, the Sulphur Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, and the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.

What Stage One Restrictions Mean
Under Stage One Restrictions, open fires in Grand County are prohibited outside of developed recreation sites, meaning dispersed campfires in forested areas are not permitted.

Please note that each municipality (town) within Grand County retains the authority to implement its own fire restrictions as determined by local government.

Information Line: The Grand County Fire Restrictions recorded phone line is 970-725-3852.

Current Status: View up-to-date restrictions at www.GCEmergency.com.

Enforcement: Our goal is voluntary compliance as we all do our part to prevent wildfires. To report a fire restriction violation, please contact the Grand County Communications Center at 970-725-3311. For your safety, please do not personally address violations; allow our deputies to handle the situation.

Penalty: A violation of Grand County Fire Restrictions is punishable by a $1,000.00 fine for each separate offense.

Prohibited Activities & Uses
The following activities are strictly prohibited under Stage One Fire Restrictions:
• Open Fires: Building, maintaining, attending, or using an open fire outside of a developed recreation site.
• Smoking: Smoking outdoors, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed campground or picnic area, or while stopped in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren of all combustible materials.
• Chainsaws: Operating a chainsaw without a USDA- or SAE-approved spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.
• Welding/Torches: Welding or operating torches with an open flame, except in an area at least ten feet in diameter that is barren of all combustible materials.
• Incendiary Devices: Using explosive or incendiary devices (excluding permissible fireworks).

Allowed Activities & Uses
The following activities are permitted under Stage One Fire Restrictions:
• Developed Sites: Open fires in developed campgrounds (with fees and hosts) or picnic areas featuring permanently constructed fire grates and/or charcoal grills.
• Stoves/Grills: Fires contained within liquid- or gas-fueled stoves, lanterns, heating devices, and wood pellet grills/stoves.
• Private Residences: Open fires at private residences within permanent or portable outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas, and/or grills.
• Fireworks: Permissible fireworks according to state statute, as well as permitted, professional fireworks displays within Grand County.

Official Resources & Wildfire Stewardship
Help us prevent wildfires and stay informed by checking official sources:
• Grand County Wildfire Council: www.bewildfireready.org
• U.S. Forest Service-Arapaho & Roosevelt Natl Forests: www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp
• Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland: www.fs.usda.gov/mbr
• Bureau of Land Management Northwest District: www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-information/colorado/northwest-district

09/08/2026

🏡 Two housing opportunities happening right now!
💙 Winter Park Housing Assistance Fund
The Town of Winter Park, Grand Foundation, and Winter Park Resort have partnered to provide financial assistance to eligible full-time residents. Rental assistance applications are due September 15. Learn more and apply through www.GrandFoundation.com

🏔️ Regional Housing Needs Assessment
The Fraser River Valley Housing Partnership, Grand County, and local communities are working to better understand the housing challenges residents face in finding and keeping stable housing. Take the Housing Needs Assessment and share your experience to help identify our region’s greatest housing needs and shape future housing efforts. Take the survey here: https://www.frvhp.org

09/05/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day weekend, Winter Park!
This weekend, we’re celebrating the hardworking people who keep our community moving—from the folks serving up coffee and meals to those working behind the scenes to keep our parks, streets, businesses, and community running strong. 💙
We’re grateful for the workers who make Winter Park the special place it is.

Town Hall offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!

09/03/2026

🌸 Winter Park is in full bloom! 🌼
All this recent rain has our flower beds absolutely popping, adding even more color and beauty around town. A heartfelt thank you to our Parks & Gardens crew for all the care, time, and hard work that goes into keeping Winter Park looking this beautiful. 💚 We appreciate you!

09/02/2026

🌲September is the final month to take advantage of the Town of Winter Park’s Tree and Slash Removal program.
The Town of Winter Park provides scheduled pickup of logs and slash from residential tree removal projects focused on dead/diseased trees or defensible space around structures.
Click the link to learn more and request a pickup! 👍

Are you planning a tree removal project or need to clear branches from your lot? The Town’s annual tree and slash removal program is in full swing now through September, […]

08/29/2026

Housing resources for our community 🏡
Housing continues to be an important part of building a strong, thriving community. Here are two opportunities to know about:
💙 Grand County Housing Assistance Fund
Need help with housing costs as a full-time Grand County resident? The August 31 deadline is approaching. Learn more and apply through Grand Foundation, www.GrandFoundation.com

🏠 2026 Fraser River Valley Housing Needs Assessment
Grand County, Winter Park, Fraser, and other local communities are working together on a regional Housing Needs Assessment to better understand the challenges residents face in finding and maintaining stable, affordable housing. The assessment will help inform future Housing Action Plans and strategies for addressing housing needs across the region. Fraser River Valley Housing Partnership Take the survey here: https://www.frvhp.org

08/28/2026

🦊 Happy Friday from one of Winter Park’s wild locals! As you head outside this weekend, remember to give wildlife plenty of space, never feed them, and keep food and trash secured. The best wildlife encounter is one where everyone gets to stay wild. 🌲🦊 Have a great weekend, Winter Park!

08/27/2026

🚔The Town of Winter Park is hiring its next Chief of Police to lead the Fraser Winter Park Police Department and help guide the department into its next chapter.
We’re looking for a collaborative, community-minded leader who values integrity, transparency, community policing, and developing great teams. This is an opportunity to lead a full-service department serving both Winter Park and Fraser while living and working in one of Colorado’s best mountain communities. ⛰️
If you or someone you know is ready for the next step, apply or share this opportunity with someone who should see it.
👉 Learn more and apply: http://www.governmentresource.com/.../winter-park-co.../
Applications are being reviewed beginning September 7, 2026.

08/26/2026

🌅Tomorrow is the FINAL High-Note Thursday, and we’re sending off the season with Sunset Over Summer—two bands, extended music from 5:30–8:30 p.m., and one last High-Note Market. 🎶

We’re proud to help bring these community events to the park all summer long, and we want to see everyone out for one last night of Winter Park community vibes. ⛰️💛

🌅 One last High-Note Thursday. Let’s make it count. 🙌 Tomorrow night is Sunset Over Summer—our final High-Note Thursday of the season—with two bands, extended music from 5:30–8:30 p.m., and a High-Note Market to send Summer off right. 🎶

It’s been a good one, Winter Park. Come out for one last round of music, dancing, high fives, and mountain community vibes. ⛰️💛 Let’s close out Summer together. See you at the Park!