Colorado § 24-33.5-1217.7 - Escaped prescribed fires.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-33.5-1217.7 — Escaped prescribed fires., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24-33.5-1217.7. Escaped prescribed fires.
(1) If a prescribed fire exceeds the control capability of on-site resources, the fire is deemed to be escaped, and suppression actions shall be taken immediately to bring the escape under control.
(2) The division shall conduct or cause to be conducted a formal review following escape of a prescribed fire. The purpose of the review is to identify the factors that contributed to the escape, including compliance with policy requirements, in an effort to reduce the occurrence or prevent future escapes.
(3) Wildfires burning uncontrolled on forested, brush, or grassland areas that pose a hazard to life and property constitute a public nuisance. Employees or agents of the division have the right to enter land to control, suppress, or investigate wildfires without liability for trespass.
(4) In order to prevent high-intensity or catastrophic wildland fires, local, state, or federal firefighters may enter lands and construct fire lines or fire breaks to prevent further spread of wildfires, without liability for trespass.
Source: L. 2013: Entire section added, (SB 13-083), ch. 249, p. 1308, § 7, effective May 23. L. 2014: (1) amended, (HB 14-1010), ch. 175, p. 643, § 4, effective May 12.
Cross references: In 2013, this section was added by the "Colorado Prescribed Burning Act". For the short title and the legislative declaration, see sections 1 and 2 of chapter 249, Session Laws of Colorado 2013.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 24-33.5-1217.7
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-33.5-1217.7 cover?
Section 24-33.5-1217.7 ("Escaped prescribed fires.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 24-33.5-1217.7?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-33.5-1217.7" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 24-33.5-1217.7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.