PRESCRIBED BURNING IN COLORADO

1

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

DIVISION OF FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

PRESCRIBED BURNING IN COLORADO

8 CCR 1507-32

[Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.]

_________________________________________________________________________

APPLICABILITY

These rules and regulations constitute the minimum standards for all prescribed burning conducted in the

State of Colorado, except for prescribed burning conducted by an agency of the federal government. To

be exempt from these standards, other users of prescribed fire, including local governments and

nongovernmental organizations, must adopt or have already adopted guidelines or standards that are in

substantial compliance with the intent of Section 24-33.5-1217.5, C.R.S. for prescribed burning under their

control. These rules do not apply to controlled agricultural burning or controlled ditch burning.

ARTICLE 1 – AUTHORITY TO ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS

1.1

The Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control is authorized by the provisions of

Section 24-33.5- 1203.5, C.R.S., to promulgate rules in order to carry out the duties of the Division

of Fire Prevention and Control.

1.2

Sections 24-33.5-1203.5 and 24-33.5-1217, C.R.S. establish the authority and duty of the Division

of Fire Prevention and Control to implement a prescribed burning program for the State of

Colorado and to establish training standards for certified burners.

1.3

The Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control is authorized to establish fees and

charges necessary to recover all direct costs that the Division incurs in providing training to and

processing applications for persons seeking certification under the Prescribed Fire Program

pursuant to Section 24- 33.5-1217.

ARTICLE 2 – DEFINITIONS

2.1

The definitions provided in 24-33.5-1202, C.R.S., apply to these rules

ivision of Fire Prevention and Control is authorized to establish fees and

charges necessary to recover all direct costs that the Division incurs in providing training to and

processing applications for persons seeking certification under the Prescribed Fire Program

pursuant to Section 24- 33.5-1217.

ARTICLE 2 – DEFINITIONS

2.1

The definitions provided in 24-33.5-1202, C.R.S., apply to these rules. If any of the definitions

provided in these rules conflict with NWCG definitions of the same terms in the documents

incorporated in Article 3, the definitions of those terms in these rules supersede the NWCG

definitions. The following definitions apply:

“Applicant” means a person who has satisfied the requirements to be examined for certification or an

entity that applies for recognition as an accredited academy or training facility.

“Burn Boss 3” means a person who has met all of the prerequisite and requisite training to be certified

by his or her agency to meet NWCG qualification standards to lead low complexity prescribed burn

projects.

Code of Colorado Regulations

Secretary of State

State of Colorado

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

8 CCR 1507-32

Division of Fire Prevention and Control

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“Burn Boss 2” means a person who has met all of the prerequisite and requisite training to be certified

by his or her agency to meet NWCG qualification standards to lead moderate complexity prescribed burn

projects.

“Burn Boss 1” means a person who has met all of the prerequisite and requisite training to be certified

by his or her agency to meet NWCG qualification standards to lead high complexity prescribed burn

projects.

“Certified Burner” means an individual who successfully completes the Division’s Certified Burner

training and certification program and possesses a valid certification number. Where the term “Certified

Burn Manager” is used in state statute, this term is replaced by the term Certified Burner for purposes of

these rules

NWCG qualification standards to lead high complexity prescribed burn

projects.

“Certified Burner” means an individual who successfully completes the Division’s Certified Burner

training and certification program and possesses a valid certification number. Where the term “Certified

Burn Manager” is used in state statute, this term is replaced by the term Certified Burner for purposes of

these rules.

“Certified Proctor” means an individual who meets or exceeds the requirements to be certified as a

written and/or practical examination proctor.

“Class” means a single meeting or session devoted to a specific prescribed fire or non-prescribed fire

training objective.

“Cognitive Objective” means pertinent written questions, lists, or problems related to the level at which

a person is being tested.

“Course” means any grouping of classes or series of lessons or lectures combined to attain a particular

education level or training objective.

“Demonstrate” means to show by actual use. This may be supplemented by, or when actual use is not

feasible, replaced by, simulation, explanation, illustration, or a combination of these methods.

“Director” means the Director of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control in the Department of Public

Safety.

“Division” or “DFPC” means the Division of Fire Prevention and Control in the Department of Public

Safety.

“Fire department” means the duly authorized fire protection organization of a town, city, county, or city

and county, a fire protection district, or a metropolitan district or county improvement district that provides

fire protection.

“Firefighter” means any person, whether paid or volunteer, who is actively participating in or employed

by a public or private fire service unit in this state.

“High Complexity Burn” means a burn classified as high complexity by NWCG’s Prescribed Fire

Complexity Rating System Guide based on risk, potential consequences, and technical difficulty

y improvement district that provides

fire protection.

“Firefighter” means any person, whether paid or volunteer, who is actively participating in or employed

by a public or private fire service unit in this state.

“High Complexity Burn” means a burn classified as high complexity by NWCG’s Prescribed Fire

Complexity Rating System Guide based on risk, potential consequences, and technical difficulty.

“Low Complexity Burn” means a burn classified as low complexity by NWCG’s Prescribed Fire

Complexity Rating System Guide based on risk, potential consequences, and technical difficulty.

“Masticated Fuels” means fuels, such as brush, small-diameter trees, and slash, that have been ground

or chewed into small pieces of woody material through a mechanical wildland fuels treatment process,

and generally left to carpet the ground.

“Moderate Complexity Burn” means a burn classified as moderate complexity by NWCG’s Prescribed

Fire Complexity Rating System Guide based on risk, potential consequences, and technical difficulty.

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“National Wildfire Coordinating Group” or “NWCG” means the nationally recognized group made up

of federal and state cooperating agencies which governs nationally based training and qualification

standards for wildland fire, including prescribed fire. NWCG also includes subcommittees and working

teams governed by NWCG directors.

“Non-certified” means an applicant who does not possess a valid certification recognized by DFPC.

“Physical Demand” means the work capacity levels that are assigned to all wildland fire management

positions to quantify physical fitness for a specified position. The various levels are measured over a

specific distance, with a defined cargo load and efficiently accomplished within a specified time limit and

in accordance with procedures and standards established by the NWCG

n recognized by DFPC.

“Physical Demand” means the work capacity levels that are assigned to all wildland fire management

positions to quantify physical fitness for a specified position. The various levels are measured over a

specific distance, with a defined cargo load and efficiently accomplished within a specified time limit and

in accordance with procedures and standards established by the NWCG.

“Policies” means formal guidelines promulgated by DPFC concerning the methods, procedures, and

processes for implementing these rules and administering any certification program.

“Prescribed Burning” or “Prescribed Fire” means the application of fire, in accordance with a written

prescription for vegetative fuels, under specified environmental conditions while following appropriate

precautionary measures that ensure public safety and that is confined to a predetermined area to

accomplish public safety or land management objectives. The term excludes controlled agricultural burns

and controlled ditch burns as defined in CRS 24-33.5-1201.

“Prescribed Fire Manager Type 2” or “RXM2” means a person who has met all of the prerequisite and

requisite training to be certified by his or her agency to meet NWCG qualification standards to lead

moderate complexity prescribed burn projects.

“Prescribed Fire Manager Type 1” or “RXM1” means a person who has met all of the prerequisite and

requisite training to be certified by his or her agency to meet NWCG qualification standards to lead high

complexity prescribed burn projects.

“Refresher training” means a course of instruction, condensed over a short period of time, designed to

provide training to persons for the purpose of preparing them for renewal of certification.

“Safely” means to perform the objective without endangering or injuring oneself or others.

“State agency” means all of the departments, divisions, commissions, boards, bureaus, and institutions

in the executive branch of state government

rse of instruction, condensed over a short period of time, designed to

provide training to persons for the purpose of preparing them for renewal of certification.

“Safely” means to perform the objective without endangering or injuring oneself or others.

“State agency” means all of the departments, divisions, commissions, boards, bureaus, and institutions

in the executive branch of state government. “State agency” does not include the legislative or judicial

department, the department of law, the department of state, the department of the treasury, or state-

supported institutions of higher education.

“With competence” means possessing knowledge, training, skills, and judgment needed to satisfactorily

and safely perform indicated objectives, as determined by the examining authority.

ARTICLE 3 – GUIDES, DOCUMENTS, AND STANDARDS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

3.1

The following guides and standards are adopted by these regulations. The following standards

are published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, National Interagency Fire Center,

Boise, ID 83705. Copies of these guides and standards can be obtained from the National

Wildfire Coordinating Group via the Great Basin Cache Supply Office, 3833 S. Development Ave.

Boise, ID 83705 or via www.nwcg.gov.

3.1.1

Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations (January 2013) NFES 2724

3.1.2

Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide (January 2004) PMS 424, NFES 2474

3.1.3

Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Guide (April 2014)

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

8 CCR 1507-32

Division of Fire Prevention and Control

velopment Ave.

Boise, ID 83705 or via www.nwcg.gov.

3.1.1

Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations (January 2013) NFES 2724

3.1.2

Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide (January 2004) PMS 424, NFES 2474

3.1.3

Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Procedures Guide (April 2014)

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3.1.4

Fire Effects Guide (June 2001) NFES 2394

3.1.5

Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (October 2014) PMS 310-1

3.1.6

NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology (October 2014) PMS 205

3.2

The following policy is adopted by these regulations. The following policy is published by the

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Copies of this policy can be obtained at 690

Kipling Street, Denver, CO 80215 or online at www.dfs.state.co.us.

3.2.1

Colorado State Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Policy Guide (March 2014)

3.3

The Division shall maintain copies of the complete texts of the adopted guides and standards for

public inspection. Interested parties may inspect the referenced incorporated materials during

regular business hours at the Division Office located at 690 Kipling St, Lakewood, CO 80215.

3.4

This rule does not include later amendments or editions of the incorporated material.

3.5

Questions, clarifications, or interpretation of any guidelines, policy, procedure, or standard

adopted by reference in these rules should be addressed in writing to: Prescribed Fire

Program Manager/Unit Chief, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, 690 Kipling St,

Lakewood, CO 80215

, CO 80215.

3.4

This rule does not include later amendments or editions of the incorporated material.

3.5

Questions, clarifications, or interpretation of any guidelines, policy, procedure, or standard

adopted by reference in these rules should be addressed in writing to: Prescribed Fire

Program Manager/Unit Chief, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, 690 Kipling St,

Lakewood, CO 80215.

ARTICLE 4 – TYPES OF CERTIFICATION, FEES, AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

4.1

The following prescribed fire certifications are available through the Division:

4.1.1

Certified Burner

4.1.2

Burn Boss Type 3-RXB3

4.2

The Division recognizes NWCG certifications that relate to prescribed fire as referenced in the

Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide and the Interagency Prescribed Fire Planning and

Implementation Guide referenced in Article 3.

4.3

Certified Burner Program

4.3.1

Application Requirements

a)

Certified Burner Course. Members of the public must sign up for this course

through the vendor or institution providing the course on behalf of the Division.

Information regarding upcoming courses can be obtained by contacting the

Prescribed Burn Manager at the Division.

b)

Application for Certification. After an applicant has completed the Certified Burner

course, final exam, and related task book, he or she must send the completed

task book and the fees outlined in 4.3.3 to the Certification Manager at the

Division in order to obtain certification and a certification number.

4.3.2

Training Components.

a)

The Certified Burner Course is a 20-hour course over three days. The Certified

Burner Course will cover the following information on prescribed fire:

1)

Basic Fire Behavior

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n 4.3.3 to the Certification Manager at the

Division in order to obtain certification and a certification number.

4.3.2

Training Components.

a)

The Certified Burner Course is a 20-hour course over three days. The Certified

Burner Course will cover the following information on prescribed fire:

1)

Basic Fire Behavior

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2)

Introduction to Prescribed Burning

3)

Legal Aspects of Prescribed Burning

4)

Developing a Prescribed Burn Plan

5)

Smoke Management

6)

Prescribed Burning Exercise

b)

At the end of the course, the instructor will administer a final exam. Prospective

Certified Burners who have taken the course and passed the exam with a score

of 70% or higher will be issued a task book that must be completed within three

years of the exam date in order to obtain certification as a Certified Burner.

c)

Prospective Certified Burners who score below 70% on the final exam may retake

the exam two times without retaking the entire course. A minimum thirty (30) day

waiting period is required between examination attempts. Prospective Certified

Burners who score below 70% on the final exam after three tries will be required

to retake the Certified Burner Course and pass the final exam in order to obtain a

task book and certification.

d)

After successful completion of the certified burner course and final exam,

students will receive a task book which requires certain tasks to be performed in a

suitable manner under the supervision of the Division or a designated agent. The

task book identifies specific tasks that need to be evaluated, verified, initialed,

and dated by the Division or a designated agent for each specific burn project.

These multiple tasks evaluate the trainee’s performance and identify any

deficiencies that may require additional project assignments to complete

rmed in a

suitable manner under the supervision of the Division or a designated agent. The

task book identifies specific tasks that need to be evaluated, verified, initialed,

and dated by the Division or a designated agent for each specific burn project.

These multiple tasks evaluate the trainee’s performance and identify any

deficiencies that may require additional project assignments to complete. At the

point when all tasks have been satisfactorily completed, the task book must be

submitted to the Division with the application fee and any supporting documents

in order for an applicant to obtain certification.

4.3.3

Terms and Duration of Certification

a)

Certificates expire on January 1 of the fifth year following issuance. For example,

a certificate issued on January 10, 2015 will expire on January 1, 2020.

b)

By issuing a Certified Burner certification number, the Division is verifying that an

individual has successfully completed the Certified Burner Course and task book

and is qualified to perform low complexity prescribed burns as defined by

NWCG’s Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide adopted by reference

in Section 3.1.2.

c)

Certified Burners must complete at least two separate prescribed fire projects to

be eligible for certification renewal at the expiration of their certification. At the

time of certification expiration, documentation of this minimum requirement must

accompany the renewal application and payment of the renewal fee.

d)

If a Certified Burner does not renew his or her certification within 90 days of

expiration or if the Certified Burner has not completed the required amount of

prescribed burns during his or her certification, then he or she must retake the

Certified Burner Course and complete the associated task book again to obtain

certification.

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

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Division of Fire Prevention and Control

urner does not renew his or her certification within 90 days of

expiration or if the Certified Burner has not completed the required amount of

prescribed burns during his or her certification, then he or she must retake the

Certified Burner Course and complete the associated task book again to obtain

certification.

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4.3.4

Fees

Certified Burner Course*

$200 - $500 (varies based on host location)

Application Fee for Certified Burner Certification

$30.00

Renewal Fee for Certified Burner Certification prior to

expiration

$20.00

Reinstatement Fee for Certified Burner Certification

fewer than 90 days past expiration

$40.00

*Note: To the extent that grant funds are available, these courses may be provided at no or

significantly lower cost to the participant.

4.4

Burn Boss Type 3 – RXB3

4.4.1

Application Requirements

a)

Applicants must sign up for this course through the vendor or institution providing

the course on behalf of the Division. Information regarding upcoming courses can

be obtained by contacting the Prescribed Burn Manager at the Division.

b)

Applicants for the Burn Boss Type 3 Certification must possess the following

NWCG qualifications:

1)

Required Training: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)

2)

Required Experience:

i)

Satisfactory Performance as an Incident Commander, Type 5

(ICT5); or

ii)

Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Successful position performance

as a Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 3 (RXB3)

3)

Physical Fitness Level - Arduous

4.4.2

Training Components

a)

The Burn Boss Type 3 Course is the same 32-hour course over four days as the

Certified Burner Course. The Course will cover the following information on

prescribed fire:

1)

Basic Fire Behavior

2)

Introduction to Prescribed Burning

3)

Legal Aspects of Prescribed Burning

4)

Developing a Prescribed Burn Plan

5)

Smoke Management

6)

Prescribed Burning Exercise

CODE OF COLORADO REGULATIONS

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Division of Fire Prevention and Control

2-hour course over four days as the

Certified Burner Course. The Course will cover the following information on

prescribed fire:

1)

Basic Fire Behavior

2)

Introduction to Prescribed Burning

3)

Legal Aspects of Prescribed Burning

4)

Developing a Prescribed Burn Plan

5)

Smoke Management

6)

Prescribed Burning Exercise

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4.4.3

Fees

Burn Boss Type 3 Course

$200 - $500 (varies based on host location)

4.4.4

Certification/Credentials Received. An applicant for RXB3 who successfully completes the

course, exam, and task book must be certified by his or her sponsoring agency. The

Division will certify RXB3 applicants who are employed by the Division and may certify

employees from other state agencies with an interagency agreement.

ARTICLE 5 – GROUNDS AND PROCESSES FOR RENEWAL, SUSPENSION, AND REVOCATION OF

CERTIFICATIONS

5.1

The Division, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, C.R.S. 24-4-101, et seq.,

may deny or revoke any certificate or refuse to renew a certificate to any applicant for, but not

limited to, the following reasons:

5.1.1

Failure to meet requirements specified in these rules pertaining to the issuance of

certificates and/or the renewal of certification

5.1.2

Any conduct as described in Section 5.2 pertaining to good cause for disciplinary action

5.1.3

Fraud, misrepresentation, or deception in applying for or securing certification. Or in

taking any written or practical certification exam

5.1.4

Aiding and abetting another person in procuring or attempting to procure certification for

any person who is not eligible for certification

5.1.5

Creating a disturbance during a state practical skills evaluation or a state written

examination, or conducting themselves in a manner that disrupts other persons taking the

examination or prevents the examination proctor from conducting the examination

Aiding and abetting another person in procuring or attempting to procure certification for

any person who is not eligible for certification

5.1.5

Creating a disturbance during a state practical skills evaluation or a state written

examination, or conducting themselves in a manner that disrupts other persons taking the

examination or prevents the examination proctor from conducting the examination.

5.2

In addition to the reasons outlined in 5.1, the Division may revoke an individual’s Certified Burner

certification if the individual is assessed fifteen (15) points as outlined in 5.2.1 during the course of

any one certification period.

5.2.1

Violation Point Assessment Table

Certified burner initiates a burn outside of prescription parameters based upon

morning forecast

Five (5) Points

Certified Burner obtains an authorization knowingly using false information

Fifteen (15) Points

Fire escapes from the prescribed area and does not cause damage to the

property of the Certified Burner or landowner

Three (3) Points

An emergency response agency is required to take suppression actions

because of a burn led by Certified Burner.

Two (2) Points

Certified Burner fails to pay suppression charges on an escaped burn within 15

days of receipt of second notice

Three (3) Points

Certified Burner fails to identify or mitigate smoke sensitive areas

Two (2) Points

Certified Burner burns without obtaining an authorization

Fifteen (15) Points

Certified Burner fails to attempt to shut down a burn after notification from the

Division or Colorado Air Pollution Control Division

Five (5) Points

Certified Burner’s escaped fire causes damage to the property/improvements of

persons other than the Certified Burner

Five (5) Points

Certified Burner attempts to burn as a Certified Burner without a written

prescription at the site of the burn while burn is being conducted

Five (5) Points

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Five (5) Points

Certified Burner’s escaped fire causes damage to the property/improvements of

persons other than the Certified Burner

Five (5) Points

Certified Burner attempts to burn as a Certified Burner without a written

prescription at the site of the burn while burn is being conducted

Five (5) Points

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5.2.2

The Division will discover potential violations through direct investigation or from

information provided by local or state agencies or the general public. The Division will

investigate all allegations of a Certified Burner committing one of the violations in 5.2.1.

Following a determination that a violation has been committed, the Division will send a

written notice of violation to the Certified Burner’s address on file with the Division. Upon

receipt of the notification, a Certified Burner then has thirty (30) days to respond in writing

to contest the notice of violation. The protest may include any relevant information or

documentation as to why the points should not be assessed against the Certified Burner.

5.2.3

Once the Division receives a Certified Burner’s contest of a violation notice, the Division

Director shall determine whether points should be assessed against the Certified Burner

and notify the Certified Burner of his or her decision in writing within thirty days of receipt

of a Certified Burner’s contest of a violation notice. This decision shall be considered a

final agency action for the purposes of the Colorado Administrative Procedure Act, 24-4-

101, et seq., C.R.S.

5.2.4

If a Certified Burner accumulates 15 points during one certification period, the Division will

send a notice of decertification to the violator. The Certified Burner has 30 days from the

date the notice of decertification is issued to protest the decertification notice to the

Division Director

cy action for the purposes of the Colorado Administrative Procedure Act, 24-4-

101, et seq., C.R.S.

5.2.4

If a Certified Burner accumulates 15 points during one certification period, the Division will

send a notice of decertification to the violator. The Certified Burner has 30 days from the

date the notice of decertification is issued to protest the decertification notice to the

Division Director. The Division Director shall notify the Certified Burner of his or her

decision on the Certified Burner’s decertification within 30 days of receipt of a Certified

Burner’s protest of a decertification notice. This decision shall be considered a final

agency action for purposes of the Colorado Administrative Procedure Act, 24-4-101, et

seq., C.R.S.

5.2.5

Once decertified, an individual must complete the Certified Burner Course and the

requisite training task book in order to be recertified as a Certified Burner.

ARTICLE 6: PRESCRIBED FIRE POLICY

6.1

The rules and standards provided in this Article 6 govern prescribed burning occurring on state

lands or conducted by state agencies on private lands.

6.2

The Division adopts the Colorado State Prescribed Fire Planning and Implementation Policy

Guide as referenced in Section 3.2.1 as the minimum standard for prescribed fire planning and

implementation for Colorado state agencies and for prescribed burns conducted on state lands in

Colorado.

6.3

Prescribed Fire Plans.

6.3.1

Prescribed fire plans developed before the effective date of these rules must receive a

technical review in order to ensure compliance with the 2014 Colorado State Prescribed

Fire Planning and Implementation Policy Guide before the plan can be implemented.

6.3.2

Prescribed fire plans developed after the effective date of these rules must receive an

additional technical review after three years if the plan is not implemented.

6.3.3

Prescribed fire plans expire five years after their approval date and must be rewritten to

ensure compliance with new or modified policies or environmental changes

mentation Policy Guide before the plan can be implemented.

6.3.2

Prescribed fire plans developed after the effective date of these rules must receive an

additional technical review after three years if the plan is not implemented.

6.3.3

Prescribed fire plans expire five years after their approval date and must be rewritten to

ensure compliance with new or modified policies or environmental changes.

ARTICLE 7: SEVERABILITY

7.1

If any provision or application of these rules is held invalid, all other provisions and applications of

these rules will remain in effect.

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ARTICLE 8: INQUIRIES

8.1

All questions or requests for interpretation of these rules should be submitted in writing to the

Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Prescribed Fire Program Manager/Unit Chief.