PRESS RELEASE: Manitou Springs Enters Stage I Fire Restrictions (RESCINDED 11/07/2024)

Effective immediately, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions enacted on Friday, October 11th, 2024, are rescinded for the City of Manitou Springs. While recent snowstorms have created an opportunity for us to rest more easily, drier conditions remain in the long-term forecasts and will keep us vigilant to adjust Restrictions and Bans accordingly as fire danger, resources, and predicted weather conditions change.

Safety Message Reminder

Even without Fire Restrictions or Bans, open fires and open burning within the city limits must conform to the following regulations:

• A safety area of 10 feet from the open fire shall be free of flammable vegetation or mowed to a very low height.

• The open fire shall be no less than 15 feet from other combustion sources, including but not limited to residences, barns, sheds, wooden fences, and similar structures.

• All fireplaces and pits shall be fitted with an appropriately sized and fitted Spark/Ember Arrestor.

• The total fuel area may not be greater than 3 feet in diameter and shall have a flame height of less than 2 feet.

• A means of extinguishing the fire shall be available and ready to deploy. These means shall include at a minimum:

  • a portable fire extinguisher at least a 51b type A rating; or

  • a water hose with sprayer attachment; or

  • a 5-gallon bucket of water and shovel.

• All open fires shall be attended by a person at least 18 years of age who has a phone immediately available to call 911 and who is capable of using the means of extinguishing the fire.

• No refuse or yard debris may be burned.

Per Manitou Springs Ordinance No. 1022, Section 6.34.050 - Fire Danger Declarations, I am ordering that effective at noon on Friday, October 11th, 2024, the City of Manitou Springs is moving to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. This order maintains consistency with area partners and is based on current and expected low precipitation levels, low fuel moistures, and higher than average temperatures through the extended forecasts. This is an important time for our community to recognize greater awareness of wildland fire risks.

As always, 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 discussion with local and regional partners is invaluable.

Stage 1 Restrictions are defined as:

1. 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, 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.

2. 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.

These restrictions do not apply to gas-fueled grills used out-of-doors, or to fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, provided they are at least 10 feet from combustible material (not including a private residential structure). Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves within private residences that are compliant with the city's building and fire codes, are not subject to these restrictions.

Restrictions will be adjusted accordingly as fire danger, resources, and predicted weather conditions change.

It’s important to note that during any Red Flag Warning for areas including the City of Manitou Springs issued by the National Weather Service, Ordinance No. 1022 automatically invokes Stage II Fire Ban prohibitions throughout the warning period.

Respectfully Submitted,

John K. Forsett, Fire Chief, City of Manitou Springs

2023 – MSFD Annual Report

2023 was a year of significant change for the Manitou Springs Fire Department and the citizens and visitors of our community. Most notably, tremendous efforts to create the first ever EMS Transport Division of the Manitou Springs Fire Department were implemented in February. The new EMS Transport Division was envisioned to greatly reduce the response time for an ambulance to arrive at an incident and transport patients of injury or illness.

On behalf of all members of the Manitou Springs Fire Department, I would like to thank our city’s leaders and our community for your support and wish you all a very safe and healthful 2024.

Sincerely,

John K. Forsett
Fire Chief

2022 MSFD Annual Report

The Fire Department as always continued to provide excellent, compassionate, and professional All- Hazards Emergency Services, exemplifying the department’s motto, “Neighbors Serving Neighbors”. In reviewing the data in this report, it is my desire that everyone recognizes the value they have in the Manitou Springs Fire Department, and how much each of its members gives to our community to provide unwavered service.

John K. Forsett Fire Chief

MSFD Brings Emergency Transport Services In-House

The Manitou Springs Fire Department has developed an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Transport Division that will begin providing ambulance transport services to Manitou Springs on February 12, 2023.  These services will be provided by six new employees who will staff the departments ambulance with one Paramedic and one Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 24/7/365.  These professionals will work and train side-by-side with current staff and volunteers, in an effort to provide the best possible care for the Manitou Springs community.

The establishment of an EMS Transport Division was solely based on the desire of the Fire Department to provide reliable professional emergency medical care and transport in a significantly reduced response time frame then that currently being provided.

Chief John K. Forsett commented on the transition, and stated, “The Manitou Springs Fire Department would like to thank our amazing City leadership  and community for their unwavering support that allows our firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics to provide service, train, educate, and gain knowledge in an environment that reinforces excellence.” He continued  “We would also like to thank American Medical Response and recognize them for their years of service to our community and continued partnership moving forward into the future.”

2023-01-06: Fire Restrictions Rescinded

On January 6, 2023 Manitou Springs Fire Chief: John K. Forsett, ordered that the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, which were put into effect on December 7, 2022, be rescinded effective immediately.

Chief Forsett stated that “Although current fuel moisture sampling, resource availability, and short-term weather predictions have determined that heightened wildfire awareness through restrictions is no longer warranted, please remember that during any period of Red Flag Conditions, Stage 2 Burn ban Orders will be in effect.” 

Stage 2 Burn Ban Orders

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 (e.g. fire pits, fire tables, and chimineas) and cooking appliances (e.g. charcoal BBQ grills, pellet smokers and BBQ grills). 

This ban excludes Liquid Propane (LP) fueled or gas fueled open flame cooking devices, (e.g. LP BBQ grills or camping stoves) with a 10’ separation from combustible materials, (clearance not applicable to single-family homes).  Additionally, 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 of 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 the use or operation of any equipment outdoors that emits sparks (e.g. grinder, chain saw) or open flame (e.g. 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.

Red Flag Warning Definition

A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity’s, and strong winds are expected to combine to produce increased risk of fire danger.  These conditions are independent of antecedent weather, fuel types, and fuel moistures for the region.

As a reminder, even without Fire Restrictions or Bans, open fires and open burning within the city limits must conform to the following regulations:

• A safety area of 10 feet from the open fire shall be free of flammable vegetation or mowed to a very low height.

• The open fire shall be no less than 15 feet from other combustion sources, including but not limited to residences, barns, sheds, wooden fences, and similar structures.

• All fireplaces and pits shall be fitted with an appropriately sized and fitted Spark/Ember Arrestor.

• The total fuel area may not be greater than 3 feet in diameter and shall have a flame height of less than 2 feet.

• A means of extinguishing the fire shall be available and ready to deploy. These means shall include at a minimum:

  • a portable fire extinguisher at least a 51b type A rating; or

  • a water hose with sprayer attachment; or

  • a 5-gallon bucket of water and shovel.

• All open fires shall be attended by a person at least 18 years of age who has a phone immediately available to call 911 and who is capable of using the means of extinguishing the fire.

• No refuse or yard debris may be burned.

Now Hiring Paramedics!

MSFD is now hiring paramedics!

Job description: Under supervision of the Station Captain or Station Lieutenant, responds to emergency calls to provide medical care and transport to victims of injury or illness. Safely drive and operate emergency transport ambulances, perform medical procedures, administering medication when needed, participates in life safety presentations and events, perform daily station maintenance and apparatus checks, participates in training activities, and professionally interacts with regional healthcare facilities.

To review the full job description and apply, click here. Scroll down to job openings and click on “EMS Paramedic”

PRESS RELEASE: Manitou Springs to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Per Manitou Springs Ordinance No. 1022, Section 6.34.050 - Fire Danger Declarations, I am ordering that effective at noon, Wednesday, December 7th, 2022, the City of Manitou Springs is moving to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. This order is based on continuing low precipitation levels, high wind events, and dormancy of vegetation.

A specific component of this decision is driven by concerns expressed by leaders from south and east fire districts and municipalities within El Paso County where vegetation has not seen any significant moisture events this season and grasses are still standing creating critical wildfire risk. This along with recent impactful events such as the Marshal Fire in Boulder County demonstrate our need recognize greater awareness of fire risk during this season.

As always, 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 discussion with local and regional partners is invaluable.

Stage 1 Restrictions are defined as:

1. 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, 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.

2. 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.

These restrictions do not apply to gas-fueled grills used out-of-doors, or to fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, provided they are at least 10 feet from combustible material (not including a private residential structure). Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves within private residences that are compliant with the city’s building and fire codes, are not subject to these restrictions.

Restrictions will be adjusted accordingly as fire danger, resources, and predicted weather conditions change.

It’s important to note that during any Red Flag Warning for areas including the City of Manitou Springs issued by the National Weather Service, Ordinance No. 1022 automatically invokes Stage II Fire Ban prohibitions throughout the warning period.

Respectfully Submitted,

John K. Forsett, Fire Chief, City of Manitou Springs

PRESS RELEASE: Fire Restrictions Rescinded for Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs Fire Chief: John K. Forsett, has ordered that the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions be rescinded on Monday, July 25 at 12 p.m. Chief Forsett stated that “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.”

As a reminder, Chief Forsett has ordered, without expiration, that during any period of Red Flag Conditions issued by the National Weather Service for any area involving Manitou Springs, Stage 2 Burn Ban Orders will be in effect.

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Stage 2 Burn Ban Orders

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 (e.g. fire pits, fire tables, and chimineas) and cooking appliances (e.g. charcoal BBQ grills, pellet smokers and BBQ grills).

   This ban excludes Liquid Propane (LP) fueled or gas fueled open flame cooking devices, (e.g. LP BBQ grills or camping stoves) with a 10’ separation from combustible materials, (clearance not applicable to single-family homes). Additionally, 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 of 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 the use or operation of any equipment outdoors that emits sparks (e.g. grinder, chain saw) or open flame (e.g. 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.

Red Flag Warning Definition

A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity’s, and strong winds are expected to combine to produce increased risk of fire danger. These conditions are independent of antecedent weather, fuel types, and fuel moistures for the region.