March 24, 2020
Because of current and expected conditions, and because first responders are beginning to be taxed by the recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, I am ordering Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the City of Manitou Springs effective immediately. This order is consistent with actions that have or will be occurring with our regional partners, including El Paso County, and highlights the need for fire safety and caution during this time when resources from every sector of public safety are laser focused on preparation and response to the global pandemic. This order is effective immediately and includes the following restrictions:
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.
John K. Forsett, Fire Chief, City of Manitou Springs