City of Colorado Springs enacts burn restrictions
The Colorado Springs Fire Department enacted a burn restriction order at noon Friday, saying that measures must be taken to reduce the possibility of structure, grassland and forest fires.
The order will remain in effect until rescinded.
Violators of the order are subject to a fine up to $2,500, imprisonment in jail up to 189 days, probation, or a combination of a fine, imprisonment, or probation. Fires caused in violation of the order may be investigated as a misdemeanor or felony arson violations.
Fire Marshal Brett Lacey said no enforcement patrols are planned.
“We’re trusting people to help us out with this,” he said. “But if necessary, we will conduct patrols.”
The next highest restriction is a burn ban.
The city’s focus, among others, is to educate people of the fire danger caused by spark arrestors, small screens installed on lawn mowers and other small combustion machines.
“Sometimes they break or get clogged and not many people realize that,” said Aaron Diaz, store manager for the Ace Hardware store at the intersection of Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. “Arrestors can help keep a small flame or spark from starting a fire.”
Fire Department Capt. Brian Vaughn said the order prohibits campfires but allows other fires, provided they are in approved containers, burn proper fuel and stay a safe distance away from other combustible materials.
To report any suspected violations of the city’s order, call 719- 444-7000.
Jacqueline Kirby, of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, said the office upgraded to stage two restrictions earlier this week.
“If we see violators, there will be a zero-tolerance policy,” she said. “They will be cited. We have to be stricter about it because we have more wide-open spaces where a fire can spread quickly.”
Burn Restriction Order rules:
Prohibited within the city of Colorado Springs:
Recreational fires Bonfires Open or prescribed burns Outdoor smoking in all city parks and open spaces Small internal combustion engines operated without a properly installed, maintained and functioning spark arrestor Recreational fireworks/devices requiring ignition (prohibited at all times) Trash/ rubbish burning (prohibited at all times)
Allowed within the city of Colorado Springs:
Select pyrotechnic or commercial activities may be allowed after an approved review, inspection and permit issued by the CSFD Hot work activities, such as welding, brazing, blasting, and torching in forested or grassy areas with the appropriate CSFD permit Model rockets accompanied by the appropriately issued CSFD permit Outdoor smoking in designated areas; smoking materials shall be disposed of in a noncombustible container with a secured lid (smoking is prohibited in all city parks and open spaces) Portable or fixed fireplaces, and fire appliances, intended for outdoor use: Must maintain a minimum clearance of 15′ between the fireplace or appliance and all combustible structures, fences, and/or vegetation There are no clearance requirements for outdoor fire appliances installed in accordance with the currently adopted international mechanical code or single-family dwellings Must only be fueled by wood, pellets, charcoal, liquid propane gas, or natural gas fuel Must use spark arrestors – only when fueled by wood, pellets, or charcoal Must constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment Cooking devices, intended for outdoor use, fueled by solid materials and/or liquid propane gas, natural gas or liquid fuel: Must maintain a minimum clearance of 15′ between the device and all combustible structures, fences, and/or vegetation There are no clearance requirements for single-family dwellings Must constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment Must dispose of waste in noncombustible containers with lids tightly secured
Additional public safety information is available on the City of Colorado Springs website.
