12-September-2021
Mr. Mayor and Members of City Council,
On Friday, September 10th, 2021, members of the Pikes Peak Region Wildfire Preparedness Group, with representation from Manitou Springs Fire Department, Colorado Springs Fire Department, Colorado Springs Utilities, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Northeast Teller County, Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, and Black Forest Fire and Rescue, determined that conditions are presenting that warrant heightened wildfire awareness.
Because of these conditions, effective noon, Monday, September 13, 2021, I am ordering Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the City of Manitou Springs. These restrictions are in alignment with, and are being enacted in a concerted effort with, El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs.
In and around Manitou Springs specifically, modest moisture has helped build and maintain vegetation growth over the past months creating abundant fuels that could potentially support significant wildfires. This vegetation is now beginning to lose its moisture content due to drought conditions and the start of dormancy due to change of seasons. Additionally, with decreased local, state, and national resource availability, and weather predictions forecasting little moisture, it’s important to acknowledge the risk for potential fire activity and remain vigilant to protect our citizens, businesses and first responders.
Stage 1 Restrictions are defined as follows:
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 smokers, 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, resources, and predicted weather conditions change.
Respectfully Submitted,
John K. Forsett, Fire Chief, City of Manitou Springs