Manitou Springs Fire Chief John K. Forsett ordered that the Stage 1 fire restrictions be rescinded as of noon Monday, July 25.
“Through continued efforts by members of the Pikes Peak Region Wildfire Preparedness Group, current fuel moisture sampling, resource availability, and short-term weather predictions, heightened wildfire awareness through restrictions is no longer warranted,” Forsett said.
However, Forsett has continued the order that Stage 2 burn bans will be in effect during any period of red flag conditions the National Weather Service issues for any area including Manitou Springs.
A red flag warning means high temperatures, very low humidity and strong winds are expected to combine, increasing the risk of fire danger.
Stage 2 burn ban orders are:
1. Open burning ban, defined as the prohibited use of any outside fire. This includes all campfires and warming fires, all solid fuel-burning fireplaces (such as fire pits, fire tables and chimineas) and cooking appliances (such as barbecue grills and pellet smokers).
This ban excludes liquid propane-fueled or gas-fueled open-flame cooking devices, (such as propane barbecue grills or camping stoves) with a 10-foot separation from combustible materials, (clearance not applicable to single-family homes). This ban does not apply to compliant fireplaces and wood-burning stoves within private residences.
2. Outdoor smoking ban, defined as the prohibited use of any tobacco product or similar material in cigarettes, cigars or pipes outdoors. This excludes smoking in enclosed buildings or structures, and along Manitou Avenue. Discarding a lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe tobacco products is strictly prohibited.
3. Prohibited sale and use of fireworks and explosives, defined as sale of any and all types of fireworks, and use of any explosives not limited to fireworks, fuses or blasting caps and rockets.
4. Dangerous equipment use, defined as operating any equipment outdoors that emits sparks (such as grinder, chain saw) or open flame (welding or operating an acetylene or other torch) without a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher equal to or exceeding a rating of 2A 10BC readily available to the operator.