On Jan. 6, Manitou Springs Fire Chief: John K. Forsett ordered that the Stage 1 fire restrictions, which were put into effect on Dec. 7, 2022, be rescinded effective immediately.

“Although current fuel moisture sampling, resource availability, and short-term weather predictions have determined that heightened wildfire awareness through restrictions is no longer warranted, please remember that during any period of red flag conditions, Stage 2 burn ban orders will be in effect,” Forsett said.

Stage 2 burn ban orders:

  1. 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-fueled or gas fueled open-flame cooking devices, (e.g. LP BBQ grills or camping stoves) with a 10-foot 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.

  1. 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 a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco products is strictly prohibited.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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