Pike-San Isabel National Forests move to Stage One fire restrictions

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pike-San Isabel National Forests will move into Stage One fire restrictions, according to U.S. Forest Service (USFS) officials.

The new restrictions started at midnight on Aug. 21 and will go through Nov. 14, unless conditions change, according to officials. The restrictions cover the Pikes Peak, South Park, South Platte, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos ranger districts within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands.

OTHER DOWNGRADES: : Pueblo County, El Paso County, Colorado Springs

According to officials, under a Stage One fire restriction, visitors to the parks are not allowed to:

• Build, maintain, attend or use a fire unless it is in a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate, is a device that can be turned on and off that is fueled solely by liquid or gas, or is a fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length
• Use an explosive
• Smoke, unless it is in an enclosed building or vehicle, or developed recreation site
• Weld or operate similar torches with an open flame, unless it is in a cleared area

More information on the downgraded restrictions is available on the USFS website. Officials say they will continue to monitor conditions to determine if restrictions need to change in the future.

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