Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk Taylor wants everyone to remember the unincorporated portions of the county remain under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
Just this weekend a 23-year-old welder near Rye was arrested after his outdoor welding project started a 5-acre fire.
Conditions in the community are extremely dry. Fireworks are banned in the City of Pueblo and Pueblo County. Pueblo Fire Chief Shawn Shelton says his biggest concern is people using fireworks illegally and sparking another large fire. State and local resources are stretched thin with major fires in Costilla, Huerfano, Teller and Park counties.
Stage 2 Restrictions in Pueblo County prohibit the following:
- All open burning
- The sale or use of fireworks
- Outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building
- Operating or using an internal combustion engine is not permitted on public lands without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order.
- Welding or operating acetylene or other similar torch with open flame unless said work is performed in an area at least 30 feet in diameter and is clear of flammable vegetation.
Violations of any of the fire restrictions can result in fines and mandatory court appearances. Those violating the restrictions can face fines up to $1,000.
These restrictions also apply to Colorado Parks & Wildlife visitors using Lake Pueblo State Park, Pueblo Reservoir, Lake Beckwith and Runyon-Fountain within Pueblo County.
OTHER FIRE RESTRICTIONS:
