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 #15-001.  We will continue to monitor fuel moisture samples as we move through the rest of the summer months.

The full text of Ordinance #15-001 can be found by visiting: http://bcc2.elpasoco.com/bocc/agendas/Resolutions/2015/Ordinance%202015….