El Paso County Sheriff’s Office issues Stage 2 fire restrictions

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO) has issued Stage 2 fire restrictions effective as of 1 p.m. on Monday, June 29.

The following activities have been banned according to EPSO:

• Open Burning & Fires: All open fires and open burning are prohibited. This includes campfires, warming fires, charcoal grill fires, and the use of wood-burning stoves (except as noted below).
• Outdoor Smoking: Smoking is prohibited outdoors. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building.
• Explosives: The use of explosives is prohibited.

EPSO says the following activities are allowed if safety precautions are met:

Indoor Heating & Fireplaces

• The use of fireplaces or wood-burning stoves is permitted, provided they are located within a building.

2. Gas-Fueled Appliances (Stoves, Fire Pits, & Appliances)

• Allowed Locations: Only in developed campgrounds, picnic grounds, or at private residences.
• Required Fuel: Must be fueled by liquid propane (LPG), natural gas, or other liquid fuels.
• Safety Clearance: The area must be cleared of all flammable materials for at least 3 feet in all directions.
• Flame Limits: Flame lengths must not exceed 2 feet.
• Shut-off Mechanism: The appliance must be able to be immediately extinguished by a switch, valve, or tip-over safety switch.

3. Outdoor Welding & Torch Operations ("Hot Work")

• Clearance: Work must be performed in a clear area at least 30 feet in diameter.
• Fire Watch: A dedicated fire watch must be established with ready access to a fire extinguisher or water supply to immediately suppress any resulting fire.

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