Broomfield, Colorado Enters Drought Watch, Implements Burn Ban

Dry conditions prompt water conservation efforts and fire safety measures in the city.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The city of Broomfield, Colorado has entered an official drought watch as dry conditions continue this winter. The city council has asked residents to voluntarily limit water use, and North Metro Fire Rescue has implemented a Level 2 burn ban, restricting outdoor fires and barbeques. Residents like Susanne Eck have taken steps to reduce their water footprint by converting their yards to 'zero-scape' designs. Firefighters are also on high alert due to the dry weather and are expecting a Red Flag Day later this week, urging residents to be cautious with any outdoor flames.

Why it matters

Broomfield's drought watch and burn ban highlight the growing water scarcity and fire risk issues facing Colorado communities due to persistent dry conditions. As the state's population continues to grow, managing limited water resources and preventing wildfires have become critical priorities for local governments.

The details

Broomfield's city council has declared a drought watch, asking residents to voluntarily limit water use. This comes as North Metro Fire Rescue, which services the city, has implemented a Level 2 burn ban, prohibiting open flames outdoors, restricting barbeques, and requiring vigilance around cigarettes and other flammable materials. Residents like Susanne Eck have taken steps to reduce their water footprint by converting their yards to 'zero-scape' designs with rocks, mulch, and drought-resistant plants.

  • Broomfield entered an official drought watch in February 2026.
  • North Metro Fire Rescue implemented a Level 2 burn ban on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • A Red Flag Day is expected later this week in Broomfield.

The players

Broomfield

A city in Colorado that has entered an official drought watch due to dry conditions.

North Metro Fire Rescue

The fire department that services Broomfield and has implemented a Level 2 burn ban in response to the dry weather.

Susanne Eck

A Broomfield resident who has converted her yard to a 'zero-scape' design to reduce her water use.

Katie Converse

The public information officer for North Metro Fire Rescue, who is warning residents about the increased fire risk due to the dry conditions.

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What they’re saying

“Water is a limited resource, and with people moving into Colorado, it's just strained the system a lot. And so we decided we do our part to try and reduce our water footprint.”

— Susanne Eck, Broomfield Resident (CBS News)

“We're seeing more red flag days and more level two burn bans this year because of the dryness, and we've upped our staffing, and we've sort of changed our tactics.”

— Katie Converse, Public Information Officer, North Metro Fire Rescue (CBS News)

“Especially on these warm days as we see the wind kick up, which it's supposed to later this week, folks need to be really careful with any sparks or flames outside, and be sure to sign up for their emergency alerts.”

— Katie Converse, Public Information Officer, North Metro Fire Rescue (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Broomfield's drought watch and burn ban highlight the growing water scarcity and fire risk issues facing Colorado communities due to persistent dry conditions. As the state's population continues to grow, managing limited water resources and preventing wildfires have become critical priorities for local governments.