Because of recent weather activity that has resulted in increased precipitation, Manitou Springs Fire Chief John K. Forsett has ordered Manitou Springs to move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions.
The restrictions are in alignment with those now in effect for El Paso County and the city of Colorado Springs.
“I am thankful and want to recognize the extensive cooperation with members of the Pikes Peak Region Wildfire Preparedness Group (PPRWPG),” Forsett said. “The thoughtful data analysis, and local and regional opinion of resource availability shared by members of the PPRWPG, are invaluable.”
Stage 1 restrictions are as follows:
• Open fires and open burning are prohibited except for fires in permanently constructed fire rings within the city’s RV and camping parks, private residential charcoal grills and smokers, and wood-burning fireplaces (chimineas) or fire pits, provided they have proper fitting screen covers and are separated by at least 15 feet from structures and other combustible material.
• Outdoor smoking of any tobacco product or similar material in cigarettes, cigars or pipes is prohibited, except that smoking is permitted within 15 feet of a city-approved disposal receptacle at city-approved locations. Discarding lighted cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco products outdoors, other than in a city-approved receptacle, is also prohibited.