MANITOU SPRINGS — Colorado Governor, Jared Polis just announced a statewide burn ban because of the wildfires burning in the state. It is essentially Stage 2 restrictions. "Which means no open burning," said Lieutenant Steve Schopper, with Manitou Springs Fire Department. It is what fire bosses in Manitou Springs put in place just days ago.
Under Stage 2 there are no open flame grills, just gas. Power equipment like welders and chainsaws that can cause sparks are not allowed. Smoking outside is prohibited, unless at a approved designated location. "It's not designed to be an oppressive thing,” said Schopper, “It's designed to be a prevention thing."
A forecast of on-going hot dry conditions factored into the decision. "We have very challenging terrain here in Manitou,” said Schopper, “It's the kind of thing that if a wildfire were to start, we're going to need resources on it a lot of them very quickly." All the firefighting resources dedicated to the multiple wildfires burning in other areas of Colorado were also considered in the decision.
