After careful analysis of fire and weather conditions, El Paso County Fire Warden and Sheriff, Joseph Roybal has reinstated Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the unincorporated portions of El Paso County. Sheriff Roybal said, “With the recent snow totals falling significantly short of the prediction, the responsible decision is to reinstate Stage 1 Restrictions.”
The restrictions go into effect beginning at 1:00 PM today, December 31, 2025.
Sheriff Roybal added, “I will evaluate conditions weekly and reassess the need to keep the restrictions in place, but for the near future, the residents of El Paso County can expect the restrictions to remain in place until moisture levels improve.”
Once Stage I Fire Restrictions are in effect, the following activities are prohibited by statute:
- Open burning, with exceptions for 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 (three feet distance) of all flammable materials.
- The use of any fireworks without a professional display permit, outdoor pyrotechnics such as explosive targets, or model rockets.
- Please note that tonight’s fireworks event by the AdAmAn Club is authorized by permit.
- 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, barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
- Welding or operating an acetylene or similar torch with an open flame is prohibited except in an area cleared of vegetation.
- No internal combustion engine operation without a spark-arresting device properly installed and in working order.
- Prescribed burns: any previously issued permits for such burns are revoked.
https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/services/fire-information
Our Pikes Peak community is well aware of the devastating effects of wildfires. Beyond the stated Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, we ask you to remain vigilant during this particularly dry time of year. Simple actions like tossing a lit cigarette, a spark from a dangling snow or tow chain, or driving atop a grass field can ignite a fire.