Multiple burn bans, restrictions downgraded or rescinded in Southern Colorado
SOUTHERN COLORADO (KRDO) -- Friday, numerous counties and cities announced they were rescinding or downgrading their current burn bans and fire restrictions.
"Our fuel moisture has picked up, we're a little more confident that things are a little bit safer," said Brett Lacey, Colorado Springs Fire Department Fire Marshal. "So we have decided collectively within all of our regional partners discussion to go from burn ban, back down to restriction."
In Colorado Springs, the fire department announced the current Burn Ban for the city was downgraded to Burn Restrictions. That went into effect on June 3 at noon. This applies to the entire City of Colorado Springs.
But that doesn't mean all fire risk has been eliminated.
"It's important to note that we still have concerns for wildfire," said Lacey. "We had fires yesterday in Pueblo. We had several here in the city. So we want everybody to still please be very careful with fire, follow the restriction regulations. But know, we are still concerned about this getting worse as we move into summer.”
The Fire Marshal says the Fire Department wants to work with the public and give them an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities like campfires and smoking meat, something this pause in fire weather affords.
"We understand the public's desire to do those kind of outdoor activities," said Lacey. "We want to be allowing that when it's safe. Right now, because of the moisture we've had, and at least some of the moisture we see coming into next week, we feel comfortable within the region to go ahead and pull things back a little bit, allow people to lighten up a little bit and enjoy the outdoors in a reasonably safe manner."
In El Paso County, the sheriff's office downgraded Stage Two Fire Restrictions to Stage One Fire Restrictions for all of the unincorporated areas of the county. According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, this decision was made following the recommendation of the members of the Pikes Peak Wildfire Preparedness (PPRWFP) group.
The Stage One Fire Restrictions went into effect immediately. For more information, click here.
Manitou Springs and Fountain also downgraded their fire restrictions. Manitou Springs Fire Chief John K. Forsett ordered the city to move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective immediately. In a press release, the city said this was in alignment with El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs.
For more information, click here on the Manitou Springs fire restrictions.
In Fountain, the city moved from Stage II restrictions to Stage I Fire Restrictions, effective June 3, at noon. For more information on what is and isn't allowed, click here.
All officials say these restrictions will stay in effect until further notice.
