Stage I Fire Restrictions in Place for Unincorporated El Paso County

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 fire and open burning, except;
        a.  Fires and campfires within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, or private residences in areas cleared at least 3’ of all flammable materials.
        b.  Fires in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, or private residences contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fire pits or appliances; liquid propane (LPG), or natural gas; cleared at least 3 feet of all flammable materials, with flames lengths not exceeding 2 feet.
       c.  Fires for which a permit has been obtained by the local fire protection district dating after the restriction date.
 
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 of and 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 #21-001. The full text of the ordinance can be found here: 21-001-Open-Burning.pdf (elpasoco.com).