UPDATE 10/24/2019:
Mr. Mayor and Members of City Council,
Because of recent snow and changes to restrictions by the Pike National Forest, I am ordering that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the City of Manitou Springs be rescinded, effective immediately. Recent snow and expected changes in the weather outlook indicate that continuing periods of snow can be expected. The 10-day forecast indicates snow in the area as early as next Sunday through Tuesday.
Additionally, I ask that everyone continue to be fire safe. Almost 900 people die and nearly $2 billion dollars of property loss occurs on average each year in the United States because of winter home fires. With the change of season and cold weather present, please be mindful of needs around your home to protect your family and property. Some of these may include:
Having your furnace checked by a professional for proper operation.
Installing new furnace filters
Having chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected.
Cleaning fireplaces routinely after allowing them to completely cool. Never directly throw ashes away in the trash or keep them in your home or garage. Place ashes in a steel can with a lid. There they can be wetted and then stored outside away from other combustibles. After they have completely cooled, they can be safely thrown out with the garbage. Even better, enrich you soil with the discarded ashes.
Checking the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. National codes recommend a smoke alarm inside every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed in a central location outside of each sleeping area, on every level of your home and any area that has gas fired appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, etc.
If you use portable heaters of any type, oil, electric, propane, etc., ensure that they are kept clear of combustibles from all directions. Especially be aware of curtains, bedding material and furniture. Follow all manufacturer recommendations. Additionally, remember that these devices can draw a great deal of current for their operation. Never use extension cords or overload outlets with these devices.
Have a safe and wonderful winter! Maybe we will meet on the slopes sometime soon. I’ll be the guy in the ski coat and pants, with goggles, helmet and gloves; you can’t miss me.
As always, if you have questions about any fire safety issues, please contact the Fire Department at 710-685-1444.
Respectfully Submitted,
John K. Forsett, Fire Chief, City of Manitou Springs
03-October-2019
Mr. Mayor and Members of City Council,
Because of the current and expected dry weather patterns predicted by the National Weather Service, and to remain consistent with actions occurring with our regional partners, that include El Paso County and United States Forest Service (Pike National Forest), I am ordering Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the City of Manitou Springs, effective immediately. The current order for Stage 1 Fire Restrictions includes the following:
Open Burning Ban, defined as the prohibited use of any outside fire, including campfires and warming fires.
This current ban excludes fires in permanently constructed fire rings within the city’s RV and Camping Parks; and charcoal grills, and wood burning fireplaces, (chiminia) or fire pits with proper fitting screen covers and with a minimum of 15’ separation from structures or other combustible material at private residences. None of these exclusions permit a total fuel area greater than 3 feet in diameter, and all must have a flame height of less than 2 feet.Outdoor Smoking Ban, defined as the prohibited use of any tobacco product or similar material in cigarettes, cigars, or pipes outdoors. This excludes smoking in enclosed buildings or structures, and along Manitou Avenue. Discarding of a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco products is strictly prohibited.
These restrictions do not apply to gas-fueled grills used out-of-doors, or to fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves. Additionally, compliant fireplaces and wood-burning stoves within private residences are not included.
As always, restrictions will be adjusted accordingly as fire danger and predicted weather conditions change.
Respectfully Submitted,
John K. Forsett, Fire Chief, City of Manitou Springs