Pueblo County moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Pueblo County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) issues Stage 2 fire restrictions effective immediately due to ongoing dry conditions and the extremely high fire danger that persists in the region.  

Stage 2 Restrictions prohibit, according to PCSO:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. This includes charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves and sheepherder's stoves and includes use in developed camping and picnic grounds.
   EXCEPT: Devices using pressurized liquid or gas (stoves, grills or lanterns) that include shut-off valves are permitted when used in an area at least three feet or more from flammable material such as grasses or pine needles.
2. Smoking. EXCEPT: Within enclosed vehicle, trailer or building.
3. The sale or use of fireworks
4. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
5. Operating or using any internal combustion engine (e.g. chainsaw, generator, ATV) without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either:
6. Operating a chainsaw without an approved spark arresting device as described in Prohibition #4, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (8 oz. capacity by weight or larger and kept with the operator) and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
7. Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses or blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary.
8. Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid or vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle.

Law enforcement says violations of the restrictions can result in fines and mandatory court appearances.

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