EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal has downgraded fire restrictions in El Paso County from stage two to stage one Tuesday.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, after a thorough review of current fire danger conditions and fire guidelines, Roybal downgraded the fire restrictions that were implemented in February.
“Due to recent improvements in weather conditions, including increased moisture and more favorable forecasts in the Pikes Peak region, we are in a position to safely downgrade from Stage II to Stage I Fire Restrictions,” Sheriff Roybal said. “Vegetation green-up reduces the flash risk of immediate spread of wildfire. While these conditions are encouraging, wildfire risk remains, and continued vigilance is essential.”
Roybal said the decision was made in collaboration with local district fire chiefs to ensure all regions support the reduction in restrictions.
What can and can’t you do under stage one fire restrictions? Here are the prohibited and permitted activities, as stated by the sheriff’s office.
Prohibited activities
These activities are strictly prohibited while stage one fire restrictions are in effect.
Open Burning: All general open burning is banned. Any previously issued open burn permits are hereby revoked.Fireworks: The sale and use of fireworks are prohibited.Model Rockets: The launching of model rockets is prohibited.Explosives: Use of explosive targets or any other outdoor pyrotechnics is prohibited.Unprotected Engines: Operating any internal combustion engine without a properly installed and working spark-arresting device is prohibited.Permitted activities
These activities are allowed only if the specific safety requirements are met.
Developed Areas: Campfires and fires are permitted only within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds.Private Residences: Charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves are permitted at private residences, provided the area is cleared of all flammable materials for a 3-foot radius.Gas/Liquid Appliances: Use of stoves, fire pits, or appliances fueled by liquid petroleum (LPG), natural gas, or liquid fuel is allowed.Smoking is permitted only within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter which is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.Welding or operating an acetylene (or similar) torch with an open flame is allowed only if performed in an area cleared of all vegetation and flammable materials.
The updated restrictions will go into effect Tuesday at noon.
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