El Paso County downgrades to Stage One fire restrictions

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- El Paso County says it will downgrade to Stage One fire restrictions, starting today at 1 p.m.

According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSO), the decision was made after a review of current fire danger conditions, recent rain and in consideration with fire officials. It comes one day after Pueblo County announced the same reduction, and the same day as the U.S. Forest Service in the region.

The City of Colorado Springs also downgraded from a burn ban to burn restrictions on Friday.

OTHER DOWNGRADES: Pueblo County, Colorado Springs, Pike-San Isabel National Forests

The downgrade applies to all areas of unincorporated El Paso County.

The new restrictions will remain in place until further notice, EPSO says. Under Stage One fire restrictions, residents are not allowed to:

• Partake in any openburning
• Sell or use fireworks
• Launch model rockets
• Use explosive targets or any other outdoor pyrotechnics

Residents are allowed to do the following things, with guidelines:

• Create campfires and fires inside permanently constructed fire grates
• Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, fire pits, etc.
• Smoking within enclosed vehicle or buildings or developed recreation site
• Wleding or operating a similar torch with an open flame in an area that is clear of all vegetation and flammable materials

More information on restrictions is available on the county's website.

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.