Pueblo County moves to stage one fire restrictions Thursday

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) has announced it will move the county back into Stage One fire restrictions starting at 5 p.m. Thursday.

According to officials, the decision was made in consultation with local fire chiefs, and as improvements were made to the fire restriction guidelines. PCSO says that even though the "Aspen Acres" fire, which pushed the move into Stage Two fire restrictions, remains active, "science and conditions allow for the change in restrictions.

OTHER RESTRICTIONS: El Paso County, Colorado Springs, Pike-San Isabel National Forests

Under Stage One fire restrictions, residents are not allowed to:

• Have open burns, except fires and campfires within constructed fire grates inside developed camps and picnic areas, charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves at private areas
• Sell or use fireworks without a permit
• Smoke outdoors except inside a vehicle or stopped in an area that is clear of all flammable materials

PCSO says violations of these restrictions could result in fines and mandatory court appearances.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.