2023-01-06: Fire Restrictions Rescinded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Chief: John K. Forsett, ordered that the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, which were put into effect on December 7, 2022, be rescinded effective immediately.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.

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.

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.

PRESS RELEASE: Manitou Springs Moves to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Per Manitou Springs Ordinance No. 1022, Section 6.34.050 - Fire Danger Declarations, I am ordering that effective immediately, Friday, June 3rd, 2022, the City of Manitou Springs is moving to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. The lessening of prohibited activities is based on recent weather conditions with increased precipitation. While these events are described as anomalies of the predicted weather outlook, they do provide some relief by slightly increasing fuel moistures and improving green up of vegetation.

As an integral component of directing these orders, 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 PPRWG is invaluable.

Stage 1 Restrictions are defined as follows:

  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. Additionally, compliant fireplaces and wood-burning stoves within private residences are not included.

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

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

PRESS RELEASE: Manitou Springs Moves to Stage 2 Burn Ban

14-May-2022

Mr. Mayor and Members of City Council,

Because of current and expected dry and windy conditions, increased fire activity, and resource concerns, effective at 12:00pm (noon), Monday, May 16th, 2022, I am ordering Stage 2 Burn Ban Orders for the City of Manitou Springs. This ban is in alignment with and made through extensive cooperation and input from all members of the Pikes Peak Regional Wildfire Group. This group is made up of members from El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, North-East Teller Fire Protection District (Teller County), Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District, the City of Manitou Springs Fire Department, Black Forest Fire Protection District, City of Fountain Fire Department, City of Colorado Springs Fire Department, Colorado State Division of Fire Prevention and Control, the United Stated Forest Service, Colorado Springs Utilities, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Members of this group have scheduled to hold a joint press conference starting at 11:00am Monday, May 16, 2022, at the Colorado Springs Fire Department Complex located at 375 Printers Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO.

Current vegetation conditions due to drought, consistent wind events and regional resources responding to significant regional and statewide fire incidents require our region to act in coordinated fashion to protect our environment, citizens, businesses and first responders.

Stage 2 Burn Ban Orders

  1. All open fires and open burning are prohibited, including without limitation all cooking fires, recreational fires, campfires and warming fires, all solid fuel burning fireplaces (such as fire pits, fire tables, and chimineas) and cooking appliances (such as charcoal BBQ grills, pellet smokers and BBQ grills).

  2. Outdoor smoking of tobacco products or similar material in cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is prohibited except in designated areas where a noncombustible container with a secured lid designed for the purpose of disposal of smoking materials is provided.

    Discarding lighted cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco products outdoors is also prohibited.

  3. The sale and use of fireworks and the use of explosives (not limited to fireworks), fuses or blasting caps and rockets is prohibited.

  4. The outdoor use or operation of any equipment that may emit sparks (such as a grinder or chain saw) or that involves an open flame (such as welding equipment) without a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher equal to or exceeding a rating of 2A 10BC readily available to the operator is 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.

Please continue to share with our community that the Fire Department is eager to schedule and perform wildfire mitigation property assessments for them. Our assessment is of no charge and can be scheduled by calling the Fire Department’s business phone number at (719) 685-1444.

As always, restrictions will be adjusted accordingly as fire danger, resources, and predicted weather conditions change.

Respectfully Submitted,

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

PRESS RELEASE: Manitou Springs Moves to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

MANITOU SPRINGS CO – Because of current and expected dry and windy conditions, effective immediately, Manitou Springs Fire Chief, John K. Forsett, is ordering Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the City of Manitou Springs.  These restrictions are in alignment with El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs.

Chief Forsett commented on the decision, stating “Current vegetation conditions due to drought, consistent wind events and regional resources responding to significant regional and statewide fire incidents require our community to acknowledge the heightened risk for potential fire activity and remain vigilant to protect our citizens, businesses and first responders.”

Stage 1 Restrictions are defined as follows:

  1. Open Burning Ban, defined as the prohibited use of any outside fire, including campfires and warming fires.

    • This current ban excludes fires in permanently constructed fire rings within the city’s RV and Camping Parks; and charcoal grills and smokers, and wood burning fireplaces, (chiminia) or fire pits with proper fitting screen covers and with a minimum of 15’ separation from structures or other combustible material at private residences.  None of these exclusions permit a total fuel area greater than 3 feet in diameter, and all must have a flame height of less than 2 feet.

  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 product is strictly prohibited. 

These restrictions do not apply to gas-fueled grills used out-of-doors, or to fires within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves.  Additionally, compliant fireplaces and wood-burning stoves within private residences are not included.

Additionally, Chief Forsett has ordered that during any period of Red Flag* condition issued by the National Weather Service for any area involving Manitou Springs, Stage 2 Burn Ban Orders will be in effect.  These are defined below.

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 product 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.

*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 always, restrictions will be adjusted accordingly as fire danger, resources, and predicted weather conditions change.

PRESS RELEASE: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Rescinded; Stage 2 Burn Ban Ordered During Red Flag Days

Note: Please read this entire notification as it contains two changes related to Fire Declaration Orders. 

Effective immediately, Friday, February 25th, 2022, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions enacted on 25-September-2021 are rescinded for the City of Manitou Springs.  Through extensive cooperation with members of the Pikes Peak Region Wildfire Preparedness Group, it is the groups opinion that current conditions are not present that warrant prolonged heightened wildfire awareness. 

Additionally, because of inherent dangers not addressed through ordinances or orders pertaining to restrictions and bans, I am ordering without expiration date or time, that during any period of Red Flag*1 condition issued by the National Weather Service for any area involving Manitou Springs, Stage 2 Burn Ban Orders will be in effect.  These are defined below.

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.

 *1Definition

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.

 

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

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