El Paso and Pueblo Counties Issue Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

Overview

• El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office have declared Stage 2 fire restrictions that ban most open fires, outdoor smoking, fireworks and the use of explosives.
• Both counties allow limited use of pressurized gas appliances such as stoves, grills and lanterns when fueled by LPG or natural gas and placed at least three feet from flammable material with a working shut-off mechanism.
• El Paso’s order permits indoor fireplaces when located inside a building, while both counties require strict rules for hot work such as welding, including a cleared 30-foot area and a dedicated fire watch with extinguishing tools.
• Pueblo’s restrictions require spark arrestors on internal combustion engines and mandate that chainsaw operators carry an approved fire extinguisher and a 35-inch shovel to quickly suppress any ignition.
• Law enforcement will enforce the orders and warn that violations can bring fines and mandatory court appearances as counties act to reduce human-caused wildfire starts during the high-risk summer season.