Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in place for El Paso County; effective May 16

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPCSO) announced Monday that Stage Two Fire Restrictions will be in place starting at 12 p.m. on Monday, May 16.

Due to the current and future weather conditions, the Pikes Peak Region Wildfire Preparedness Group, Sheriff Bill Elder, along with EPCSO, agencies have determined the Stage Two Restrictions is necessary to raise fire hazard awareness, reduce fire risks, and protect health and safety.

During Stage Two Fire Restrictions, the following activities are prohibited:

• Open burning: Campfires and warming fires, charcoal grills and outdoor wood burning stoves, the use of explosives, outdoor welding or use of acetylene or other torch with open flames other than in an area cleared of all flammable materials. Fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves are permitted.
• Outdoor smoking, except within a closed-in vehicle or building.
• Using or selling fireworks of all kinds.

Violators of the Stage Two Fire Restrictions may be subject to a maximum $1,000 fine.