Colorado and other western states are experiencing numerous wildland fires that are developing rapidly and producing extreme fire behaviors. In Colorado today, there are currently three significant large fires. These fires, and those further west, are increasingly taxing wildland firefighting resources. The much welcome rainfall of recent weeks has not improved fuel moistures in our forests for the long term, and the monsoonal flow has been weak and predicted to be short lived. In some areas of the state it has been nonexistent, which is evidenced by the recent fires.
At this time, I am ordering Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for the City of Manitou Springs effective immediately. This order highlights the need for fire safety and caution during this time when resources are much needed to combat current incidents using precautions for the global pandemic. This order includes the following restrictions:
Stage 2 Restrictions:
Open Burning Ban, defined as the prohibited use of any outside fire. This includes all campfires and warming fires, all solid fuel burning fireplaces (e.g. fire pits, fire tables, and chimineas) and cooking appliances (e.g. charcoal BBQ grills, pellet smokers and BBQ grills).
This ban excludes Liquid Propane (LP) fueled or gas fueled open flame cooking devices, (e.g. LP BBQ grills or camping stoves) with a 10’ separation from combustible materials, (clearance not applicable to single-family homes). Additionally, this ban does not apply to compliant fireplaces and wood-burning stoves within private residences.
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.
Prohibited Sale and Use of Fireworks and explosives, defined as sale of any and all types of fireworks, and use of any explosives not limited to fireworks, fuses or blasting caps and rockets.
Dangerous Equipment Use, defined as the use or operation of any equipment outdoors that emits sparks (e.g. grinder, chain saw) or open flame (e.g. welding or operating an acetylene or other torch) without a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher equal to or exceeding a rating of 2A 10BC readily available to the operator.
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