CSFD addresses no fire restrictions as 5th largest wildfire in state history continues to burn
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is addressing concerns over its ability to fight a wildfire if one were to break out here, as the 5th largest wildfire in state history continues to monopolize resources out on the Western Slope. The effects can be seen right here in Colorado Springs, as smoke and haze blur the view of Pikes Peak.
Over half of the counties in Colorado currently have fire restrictions in place, but El Paso and Pueblo Counties do not.
Fire officials say a lot goes into deciding to impose a burn ban, and they don't make the decision in a vacuum. CSFD says they take into account how many wildfires are burning across the state, and where. They even account for fires happening across the nation.
Colorado Springs Fire Marshall Kris Cooper says his decision-making process has been tricky because of the on-and-off wet weather seen across the city lately.
“When we take our fuel moisture samples we try and do that weekly. We can’t do that right after it rains because it gives a false reading, so we have to let a day or two for that to normalize . So we’ll have to take our readings, about that time, things are starting to dry out a little bit, we have the conversation: ‘Are we getting dry? Do we need to consider restrictions?’ Then we get three days of rain again," he said.
Fire Marshall Cooper says the burn ban status can change at any moment, especially as we enter a dryer season.
As for the recent smoky haze descending on Colorado Springs, Cooper wants to remind people not to call 911 if they only smell smoke. Call 911 if you see active fires.
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