NOTE: To account for Spring Break, the March meeting is moved up one week to March 13, 2026.
PRESENTATIONS:
Fire officials can sometimes discover what could be environmental hazards and/or crimes in the course of conducting IFC inspections. When does storage and use of a hazardous material become an environmental crime? Who should you call? Special Agents with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division will provide an overview of environmental laws, how to contact the EPA, and case studies that demonstrate the course of investigation, charging, and prosecution.
This presentation will provide an overview of the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission’s Regulation Number 9, the framework governing open burning and the permitting process. Key topics include:
Permit necessity: Understanding why the Air Pollution Control Division requires state air permits. Requirements and exemptions: A guide to legal open burning and who qualifies for an exemption. Prohibited materials: Identifying specific items that are strictly prohibited from being burned. Agricultural standards: Guidance on regulations surrounding agricultural burning. Inspections and enforcement: A brief overview of state inspections upon receiving complaints and civil penalties that can be incurred for non-compliance.
Speakers:
Marisa Davis is a Special Agent with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID). Before joining the EPA, she served eight years as a U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms, conducting law enforcement and antiterrorism operations. Marisa holds a master’s degree in Environmental Public Health from the University of Colorado and leverages both law enforcement experience and environmental expertise to investigate environmental crimes.
Amber Stowell serves as the Open Burning Coordinator for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Air Pollution Control Division. She specializes in bridging the gap between state open burning requirements and local operations, assisting fire authorities, health departments, and community members in navigating the complexities of open burning. During her ten-year tenure with APCD, Amber has been a contributor to the Division’s efforts to modernize the Air Quality Control Commission’s Regulation Number 9 — Open Burning, Prescribed Fire, and Permitting. She is dedicated to ensuring regulatory clarity across the state while providing excellent customer service in issuing timely burn permits.
Amber Stowell serves as the Open Burning Coordinator for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Air Pollution Control Division. She specializes in bridging the gap between state open burning requirements and local operations, assisting fire authorities, health departments, and community members in navigating the complexities of open burning.
During her ten-year tenure with APCD, Amber has been a contributor to the Division’s efforts to modernize the Air Quality Control Commission’s Regulation Number 9 — Open Burning, Prescribed Fire, and Permitting. She is dedicated to ensuring regulatory clarity across the state while providing excellent customer service in issuing timely burn permits.
Location: South Metro Fire Rescue (9195 E Mineral Ave, Centennial, CO), and remotely via Zoom Meeting
Business Meeting to follow the presentation. Please register for the business meeting separately from our Events page.
FIRE MARSHAL'S ASSOCIATION OF COLORADO To Promote and Support Fire and Life Safety through Education, Legislation, and Code Development.
