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:
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.
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