Due to the continued dry conditions and the National Weather Service forecast for continued dry and warmer than normal weather resulting in very high to extreme fire danger ratings, Sheriff Bill Elder has ordered Stage I Fire Restrictions for all of the unincorporated areas of El Paso County.  The Stage I Fire Restrictions shall go into effect immediately and the following are prohibited:

1.      Open burning, excepting fires and campfires within permanently constructed fire grates in developed
         campgrounds and picnic grounds; charcoal grills and wood burning stoves at private residences in areas
         cleared of all flammable materials.

2.      The sale or use of fireworks.

3.      Outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped
         in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 

The Stage I Restrictions shall remain in effect until such time the restrictions are modified pursuant to El Paso County Ordinance #19-001.