Citing warm, breezy weather conditions and an ongoing lack of moisture in the Pikes Peak region, the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office have implemented mandatory restrictions on outdoor activities that might start a fire.
Stage 2 fire restrictions, implemented by the Sheriff’s Office and including all unincorporated areas of El Paso County, went into effect at 1 p.m. Monday, according to a news release.
“The current conditions create an extreme risk for wildfires which can spread rapidly and threaten lives, homes, and critical infrastructure,” said Sheriff Joe Roybal, who also serves as the county’s fire warden. “Stage II Fire Restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, and first responders.”
Colorado Springs burn restrictions, ordered by Fire Marshal Kris Cooper, go into effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday, officials said.
Monday’s forecast high in Colorado Springs is 67, just off the record high of 68 set in 2017. Wind speeds could get up to 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.
On Tuesday, a high of around 58 degrees and wind speeds that could reach 60 mph are forecast.
Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to: open burning, outdoor smoking, recreational fires, bonfires and the use of fireworks, which is always illegal in Colorado Springs. The city also prohibits trash burning at all times.
Residents who see smoke, or witness activity that might lead to a fire, should report it to the Fire Department, officials said.
For more information on burn restrictions, visit www.coswildfireready.org.