Stage 1 fire restrictions in El Paso County

Sheriff Terry Maketa ordered stage 1 fire restrictions for El Paso County Wednesday.

The restrictions are effective immediately.

El Paso County Ordinance 02-2 governing Stage I Fire Restrictions states the following:

Open burning and outdoor fires are prohibited UNLESS done within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds.
The use of wood burning stoves and charcoal grills at private residences in areas cleared of all flammable materials is ALLOWED.
The sale or use of fireworks is prohibited.
Outdoor smoking is only allowed IF done within an enclosed vehicle or building, OR done in a developed recreation site, OR while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is clear of all flammable materials.

Sheriff Maketa insists everyone remain vigilant in their compliance with the restrictions as our community faces challenging conditions which are likely to exist for an extended period.

The Sheriff’s Office says it will exercise a zero tolerance policy for those persons who violate the restriction