What does the 30-day ban on open fires mean for Colorado cities, counties?
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Earlier this week, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a statewide ban on open fires, given the high fire danger and having four major wildfires currently burning.
But what does that mean, and what -- if anything-- changes, for municipalities and jurisdictions that have different fire restrictions?
In El Paso County, not much.
The statewide ban applies specifically to state parks state and other state land, as well as private land. It also prohibits open fires such as campfires and fireworks but allows for approved closed fires like camp stoves or home barbecues.
As of April 17, Colorado Springs and El Paso County had the same fire restrictions in place: Outdoor barbecue grills can only be used if they are fueled by wood, pellets, charcoal or liquid fuel such as propane; contained fires, such as in a manufactured fire pit, are allowed; model rocket launching is allowed only with a permit; chainsaws and other small engine equipment must have a spark arrestor; smoking is not allowed in parks, along trails and in open spaces; and trash burning is prohibited.
Deputy Chief Kris Cooper of the Colorado Springs Fire Department said the only real local changes relate to things that rarely or are unlikely to happen.
"Fireworks, even for professional shows that might be privately arranged, are now prohibited," he said. "And using explosives for blasting on construction sites is not allowed."
On Thursday, the area's fire danger was rated "very high," one level below the maximum "extreme" level.
"If conditions don't improve, the next step is to ban all burning of any kind," he said. "Most of our wildfires are from discarded cigarettes and not lightning strikes. So we want people to continue following proper behavior."
Earlier this summer, local firefighters said they were experiencing an increase in fires caused by cigarettes or campfires at homeless settlements, but Cooper said that trend has slowed recently.
Because local restrictions can vary, you should check with your local fire agency or county sheriff's office to learn about the latest fire restrictions.
