During Stage 2 fire restrictions, Vail Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) enforces stringent measures to mitigate fire risks associated with EXTERIOR hot work activities. This document outlines the requirements and safety protocols that must be adhered to during such restrictions. All interior hot work must still follow the requirements of the International Fire Code, with a self-permit form found here: NFPA Permit Form

All exterior hot work should be avoided during Red Flag Warnings or other high wind events unless it is absolutely critical. Hot work shall also be approved by the construction management team and the project’s fire site safety director.

It is recommended and best practice to perform hot work in the early morning hours of the day when the weather is calm and the relative humidity levels are high.

Definition of Hot Work

Hot work includes activities such as welding, cutting, grinding, soldering, and any other operation that produces sparks, flame, or heat.

Permit Requirements

1. Hot Work Permit: All hot work activities taking place on the exterior portion of a project or structure may require a hot work permit issued by VFES. These are on a case-by-case basis, depending on location and type of hot work being performed.
2. Site Inspection: A site inspection may be required before commencing any hot work and will be determined by VFES Fire Code Officials

For questions or permit approvals, please send an email to firerestrictions@vail.gov. In the email, please include your location and the type of hot work you want to perform.

General Fire Safety Protocols for Hot Work

1. Clearance Area:
• A 30-foot radius around the hot work area must be cleared of all combustible and flammable materials and vegetation
• If a 30-foot clearance is not feasible, welding blankets or fire-resistant tarps must be used to cover combustible materials
• Wet down the surrounding vegetation
2. Fire Watch:
• A designated fire watch person(s) must be present during the hot work and for at least 60 minutes after completion.
• The fire watch person must have access to fire extinguishing equipment, such as a garden hose or a handheld dry chemical extinguisher with a minimum rating of 3A:20BC
3. Weather Conditions:
• Understand current weather conditions and predictions
• VFES may impose additional restrictions based on current weather conditions.
4. Equipment:
• All hot work equipment must be in good working condition and inspected before use.
• Spark arrestors must be used on all equipment that produces sparks.
5. Notification:
• Any changes to the work plan must be communicated to VFES immediately.
6. Record Keeping:
• All records of documented fire watch and permits shall be kept for 1 week or as directed by VFES Fire Code Officials

Formal Fire Permit Submittals (when directed by VFES)

Requirements in the plan:

1. Location, location of the hot work area, and description of work
2. Type of Hot Work equipment being used
3. Name(s) of workers performing work, date, and time work will start and end
4. Names of trained Fire Watch Personnel
5. Copies of the contractor's liability insurance with Vail Fire and Emergency Services endorsed as “Additional Insured”
6. Completed NFPA Hot Work Checklist Form
7. Site plan indicating location(s) of hot work, distances to combustible vegetation or other combustible materials
8. Locations of fire extinguishers – minimum of 2 extinguishers (2-A:20 B: C) or fire hose water line attached to a water truck or hydrant
9. If applicable, the locations of welding blankets
10. The overall job site safety plan that was provided at the time of building permit submittal

Any other requirements as listed in Chapters 33 and 35 of the International Fire Code and the Town of Vail Fire Code shall also be included in the plan. Once reviewed, VFES Fire Code Officials will schedule a site visit, which should consist of a meeting with all personnel involved who were listed in the plan.

Once a completed plan is developed with all information, please email the plans to VFES at: firerestrictions@vail.gov. During regular business hours, please allow 24 hours for review.

Failure to provide all the listed steps above will result in a denial letter. VFES Fire Chief and Fire Code Officials do have the final say on whether hot work is allowed or not allowed at all locations in Vail, regardless of permit submittals.

Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the suspension of the hot work permit and potential fines. VFES reserves the right to inspect the work site at any time to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.