Because of low precipitation levels, high winds and dormant vegetation, Manitou Springs Fire Chief John K. Forsett ordered Manitou Springs to move to Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective Wednesday, Dec. 7.
“I am thankful and want to recognize the extensive cooperation with members of the Pikes Peak Region Wildfire Preparedness Group (PPRWPG). The thoughtful data analysis and local and regional opinion of resource availability shared by members of the PPRWPG is invaluable,” Forsett said.
Stage 1 restrictions are defined as:
Open fires and open burning are prohibited, except for fires in permanently constructed fire rings in the city’s RV and camping parks; private residential charcoal grills and smokers, wood-burning fireplaces (chiminea) or fire pits, provided they have proper-fitting screen covers and they are separated by at least 15 feet from structures or other combustible material.
Outdoor smoking of any tobacco product or similar material in cigarettes, cigars or pipes is prohibited, except 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.
These restrictions do not apply to gas-fueled grills used out-of-doors or to fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves. Compliant fireplaces and wood-burning stoves within private residences are not included.