Burn Ban In Effect In Colorado Springs

From the City of Colorado Springs:

August 24, 2020

Outdoor Burning Ban Quick Guide

Due to current and forecasted conditions, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, by and through the Division of the Fire Marshal, determines measures are necessary to heighten fire hazard awareness, reduce fire risks, and protect health and safety. Therefore:

The CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS ENACTS THIS BURN BAN ORDER EFFECTIVE MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020, AT NOON (MDT).

This Burn Ban Order (the Order) PROHIBITS the following acts within the City of Colorado Springs:

• Recreational fires
• Blasting
• Bonfires
• Model rockets
• Open or prescribed burns
• Outdoor smoking, cooking, and grilling in ALL CITY OWNED PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
• Portable or fixed outdoor fireplaces FUELED BY SOLID MATERIALS such as wood, pellets or charcoal
• Commercial fireworks, pyrotechnics, and flame effects
• Small internal combustion engines operated without a properly installed, maintained, and functioning spark arrestor
• Recreational fireworks (PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES)
• Trash/rubbish burning (PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES)
• Hot work activities such as welding, brazing, and torching without a permit issued by the Colorado Springs Fire Department

The Order ALLOWS the following acts within the City of Colorado Springs:

• Outdoor smoking in designated areas; disposal of smoking materials shall be in a noncombustible container with a secured lid (SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN ALL CITY OWNED PARKS AND OPEN SPACES)
• Portable or fixed fire appliances, intended for outdoor use, FUELED BY LIQUID PROPANE GAS (LPG) or NATURAL GAS
  • Shall maintain a minimum clearance of 15’ between the fireplace or appliance and all combustible structures, fences, and/or vegetation (No clearance requirements for permanent outdoor fire appliances installed in accordance with the currently adopted International Mechanical Code or at single-family dwellings)
  • Shall constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment
• Cooking devices, intended for outdoor use, FUELED BY LIQUID PROPANE GAS (LPG), NATURAL GAS OR LIQUID FUEL
  • Shall maintain a minimum clearance of 10’ between the device and all combustible structures, fences, and/or vegetation (No clearance requirements for single-family dwellings)
  • Shall ONLY be fueled by liquid propane gas (LPG) or natural gas
  • Shall constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment

The Order remains in effect until rescinded.

Violators of the Order shall be subject to the General Penalty provisions of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, sections 1.1.201 and 1.1.202, which may include punishments up to a $2,500 fine; imprisonment in jail, not to exceed 189 days; a sentence to probation; or a combination of a fine, imprisonment, or probation. Fires caused in violation of the Order shall be investigated as a misdemeanor or a felony crime, subjecting violators to penalties provided under Colorado State statutes.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department urges all citizens of and visitors to Colorado Springs to abide by the Order and share in the responsibility of keeping our community safe. Please report any suspected violations of the Order by calling 719-444-7000.

Outdoor burning guidelines, and additional public safety information, is available on the City of Colorado Springs website, ColoradoSprings.gov/outdoorfire (link is external).

This press release was produced by the City of Colorado Springs. The views expressed here are the author’s own.