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Fire restrictions start in Colorado Springs

Posted at 6:09 PM, Jun 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-08 20:09:20-04

Add Colorado Springs to the list of cities and counties in Colorado with fire restrictions in place. Colorado Springs Fire Marshal, Brett Lacey, enacted the restrictions on Friday, June 8th. "This elevates the degree of precaution that we’re doing right now," said Lacey. The restrictions will be in place until further notice. 

The restrictions are due to current and forecasted weather conditions. Numerous other wildfires burning in the region also factored into the decision. "We know what’s going on down in Durango and also New Mexico. That takes resources away from us as far as availability," said Lacey.

Effective Friday at noon, the following acts are prohibited within the city limits of Colorado Springs:

  • Recreational fires
  • Bonfires
  • Open or prescribed burns
  • Outdoor smoking in all city parks and open spaces
  • Small internal combustion engines operated without a properly installed, maintained, and functioning spark arrestor
  • Recreational fireworks / devices requiring ignition, including sparklers, snakes, aerials, comets, flares, flyers, fountains, missiles, mortars, spinners, punks, rockets, shells
  • Trash / rubbish burning 

The following acts are allowed within the city limits under the burn restriction

  • Select pyrotechnic or commercial activities may be allowed after an approved review, inspection, and permit issued by CSFD
  • How work activities such as welding, brazing, blasting, and torching in forested or grassy areas shall be accompanied by the appropriate CSFD permit
  • Model rockets shall be accompanied by the appropriately issued CSFD permit
  • Outdoor smoking in designated areas; smoking materials shall be disposed of in a non-combustible container with a secured lid

Portable or fixed fireplaces and fire appliances intended for outdoor use:

  • Shall maintain a minimum clearance of 15 feet between fireplace or appliance and all combustible structures, fences, and/or vegetation
  • Shall only be fueled by wood, pellets, charcoal, liquid propane gas, or natural gas
  • Shall utilize spark arrestors
  • Shall constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment

Cooking devices intended for outdoor use, fueled by solid materials and/or liquid propane gas, natural gas, or liquid fuel:

  • Shall maintain a minimum clearance of 15 feet between the device and all combustible structures, fences, and/or vegetation
  • Shall constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment
  • Shall dispose of waste in con-combustible containers with lids tightly secured

The City said this order is in full force and effect until it is rescinded by the Fire Department.

Those who violate this order shall be subject to the General Penalty provisions of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, sections 1.1.201 and 1.1.202, which may include punishments up to a $2,500 fine; imprisonment in jail, not to exceed 189 days; a sentence to probation; or a combination of a fine, imprisonment, or probation. Fires caused in violation of this Order may be investigated as misdemeanor or felony arson violations, which would subject violators to any penalties provided under Colorado State statutes.

For more information: Outdoor Burning Guidelines