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Chief: John K. Forsett, ordered that the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, which were put into effect on December 7, 2022, be rescinded effective immediately.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