(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — With several wildfires burning across the state and resources already stretched thin, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) has warned that local firefighting resources would be scarce if a fire were to ignite here. This is a key reason why stage-one fire restrictions have been implemented.
“We’ve all experienced the Black Forest Fire, we’ve all experienced the Waldo Canyon Fire, everybody knows the importance of these restrictions,” EPSO Commander Chris Gonzalez explained. “The community is extraordinarily helpful as well as in tune with what we’re trying to do here. They understand the good that these are providing and that we’re doing this to protect the community as a whole.”
Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit:
Open burning, with exceptions for fires and campfires within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds; charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves at private residences in areas cleared (three feet distance) of all flammable materials.
The use of any fireworks without a professional display permit, outdoor pyrotechnics such as explosive targets, or model rockets.
Outdoor smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter, barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Welding or operating an acetylene or similar torch with an open flame is prohibited except in an area cleared of vegetation.
No internal combustion engine operation without a spark arresting device properly installed and in working order.
Prescribed burns: any previously issued permits for such burns are revoked.
For more information on fire restrictions and guidelines, click here.
The restrictions will remain in effect until they are modified under El Paso County ordinance.
“Failure to comply with the burn restrictions can result in criminal charges everywhere from just a ticket to an arrest and booking into jail depending on the severity of the situation,” Commander Gonzalez said.
Local officials urge the community to be fire aware, while 15 Colorado Springs Fire Department crewmembers are already deployed to wildfires nationwide.
“Whenever we have multiple fires going on across the country, that does affect and impact the availability of resources within El Paso County to respond to fires because we do participate in a national wildland firefighting effort,” Dan Battin, Deputy Fire Warden with EPCSO said.
As a warm weekend approaches, fire crews advise the community to exercise caution while camping or barbecuing.
On the ESPO website, community members can access a link detailing the current fire restrictions. This resource features a color-coded chart that outlines prohibited activities, permitted actions, and key things to watch for during stage-one fire restrictions.
