Colorado Springs is currently under a burn ban. Even more severe than burn restrictions, this is the highest level of fire restrictions, due to increasingly dangerous wildfire conditions.
The City of Colorado Springs and Colorado Springs Fire Department announced the ban June 29. Prolonged dry weather, little recent moisture, forecasted high temperatures and multiple wildfires burning across Colorado have created an environment where one spark can become a fast-moving wildfire. With firefighting resources stretched thin responding to fires around the state, city officials are calling on all residents to do their part to safeguard against local fires.
So what is prohibited during a burn ban?
- Outdoor cooking with wood, charcoal, or pellet fuels
- Outdoor wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits
- Campfires and other recreational fires
- Outdoor smoking in City parks and open spaces
- Operating chainsaws and other small engines without a functioning spark arrestor
In a press conference on June 30, Mayor Yemi Mobolade, Chief of Police Adrian Vasquez and Fire Chief Randy Royal also urged residents to refrain from shooting off personal fireworks this Fourth of July holiday.
“This isn’t about taking the fun out of Independence Day; it is about recognizing the extraordinary conditions we face and responding with wisdom and responsibility,” said Mayor Mobolade. “One of the most patriotic things we can do this Independence Day is to protect this place we call home.”
Fireworks are illegal in Colorado Springs, and the officials said they will be increasing enforcement during the holiday with additional police and fire patrols. Penalties may include firework confiscation, fines or arrest.
The greater El Paso County is also under Stage II Fire Restrictions. The designation prohibits these activities:
- Open Burning and Fires: This includes campfires, warming fires, charcoal grill, pellet stoves, chimineas or other fixed fireplaces and appliances, and the use of outdoor wood-burning stoves.
- Fireworks
- Model Rockets
- Explosives
These fire restrictions are temporary, but the risk is real in light of current drought conditions, high temperatures, low humidity and high winds. The City is calling on everyone to help protect our neighborhoods, parks, first responders and beautiful places we all enjoy.
You can find more details and clarifications on burn ban prohibitions and allowances at coloradosprings.gov and epcsheriffsoffice.com.
You can also check these three steps to take for wildfire preparedness at ColoradoSprings.gov/ReadySetGo.
