The authorities on Friday downgraded burn restrictions in El Paso County and Colorado Springs after favorable weather since the start of August.
Fire restrictions will go from stage 2 to stage 1 in the county starting 1 p.m. Friday, the Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release. The burn ban in Colorado Springs will change to burn restrictions at noon, according to a separate release. The Pike-San Isabel National Forests have also been downgraded to stage 1 restrictions.
“This does not mean the fire danger has passed or that all outdoor burning is permitted,” Colorado Springs Fire Department spokesperson Ashley Franco said. “Residents and visitors must continue to use caution and comply with restrictions that remain in effect.”
(Courtesy of El Paso County Sheriff’s Office)
The following activities are still prohibited within city limits:
Recreational fires where the fire is not contained in a portable or fixed fireplace or appliance
Small engine equipment operation without a properly installed and functioning spark arrestor
Outdoor smoking in all city-owned parks and open spaces
People need a permit to use model rockets, hot work and commercial fireworks.
Violations may lead to fines, imprisonment or both, Franco said.
Fire restrictions in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests include Pikes Peak, South Park, South Platte, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts.
Monthly precipitation is still well below city norms, according to National Weather Service data.
In Colorado Springs, the total for August as of 11:30 a.m. Friday was .5 inches. The normal amount is 2.13. Alamosa and Cañon City are also below their monthly normal levels.
Perhaps an anomaly is the Pueblo area, which has recorded 2 inches of rain, .46 inches above its normal levels.