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DENVER -- With the High Park Fire having already burned close to 50,000 acres, Gov. John Hickenlooper Thursday signed an executive order banning fireworks and open burning across the state.

The ban does not apply to campfires in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed camp and picnic grounds or recreation sites; liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves; fireplaces contained within buildings; charcoal grills at private residences; or specific prescribed or controlled burns for agricultural or irrigation purposes.

Commercial, professional and municipal fireworks displays are allowed when written approval has been granted by the sheriff of the county in which the fireworks display is to occur.

“We can’t completely eliminate the threat of wildfire because there’s no way to control Mother Nature,” Hickenlooper said. “But we can take steps to reduce the risks of more wildfires starting. This ban is a necessary step to help protect people, property and the beautiful state we live in.”

A majority of Colorado's 64 counties have already imposed their own burn bans.

Hickenlooper's statewide ban, which supersedes county bans, will remain in effect until it's rescinded.

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