In an effort to “deter illegal activity and reduce community safety concerns,” the City of Boulder and Boulder County will partner this summer to increase nighttime surveillance on Flagstaff Road, in Boulder. Nighttime patrols will be conducted by Open Space and Mountain Parks rangers, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and Boulder Police officers.
The City of Boulder said that patrols will focus specifically on fire-related regulations, illegal nighttime parking (from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.), and the consumption of alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana, which is prohibited on city-managed open space. Citations will be given to anyone participating in a prohibited activity as part of the patrolling.
“All ignition sources — including fireworks, cigarettes, grills, and campfires — are prohibited on City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks lands,” the city said. “It is illegal in the City of Boulder to use or possess fireworks of any kind. Absolutely no open fires — campfires, burn piles, fire pits or bonfires — are allowed anywhere inside city limits at any time.”
The city said that the public safety effort should help to reduce wildfire risks and enhance community safety, “while also preventing behaviors that can damage sensitive natural areas.”
The Boulder Open Space Board of Trustees discussed strategies for addressing public safety and wildfire risks on Flagstaff Mountain, including increased patrols and potential gate installations at a meeting held in April. At the meeting, the board agreed to prioritize collaboration with law enforcement to enhance safety and address resident concerns.
A small wildfire occurred in November 2024 in the 1700 Block of Flagstaff Road, which was quickly extinguished by authorities. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
