Colorado Springs Burn Restrictions Effective April 17

From the City of Colorado Springs:

April 16, 2020

Due to State of Colorado Executive Order D 2020 037: Ordering the Temporary Suspension of Statute Concerning Bans on Open Burning Due to the Presence of COVID-19, Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), by and through its Division of the Fire Marshal, determines the implementation of measures to reduce the possibility of structure, grassland, and forest fires are necessary to enable firefighters and other first responders to participate in the COVID-19 response efforts throughout the City of Colorado Springs. Therefore:

Effective Friday, April 17, 2020, at 1200 hours (MDT), City of Colorado Springs enacts this Burn Restriction Order (Order).

The following acts are PROHIBITED within the City of Colorado Springs:

• Recreational fires
• Bonfires
• Open or prescribed burns
• Outdoor smoking in ALL CITY PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
• Small internal combustion engines operated without a properly installed, maintained, and functioning spark arrestor
• Recreational fireworks/devices requiring ignition such as sparklers, snakes, aerials, comets, flares, flyers, fountains, missiles, mortars, spinners, punks, rockets, shells, etc. (PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES)
• Trash/rubbish burning (PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES)

The following acts are ALLOWED within the City of Colorado Springs:

• Select pyrotechnic or commercial activities MAY BE allowed after an approved review, inspection and permit issued by the CSFD
• Hot work activities such as welding, brazing, blasting, and torching in forested or grassy areas MAY BE allowed after an approved review and/or inspection with a permit issued by the CSFD
• Model rockets shall be accompanied by the appropriately issued CSFD permit
• Outdoor smoking in designated areas; smoking materials shall be disposed of in a noncombustible container with a secured lid (SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN ALL CITY OWNED PARKS AND OPEN SPACES)
• Portable or fixed fireplaces, and fire appliances, intended for outdoor use:
  • 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 ONLY be fueled by wood, pellets, charcoal, liquid propane gas (LPG), or natural gas
  • Shall utilize spark arrestors (ONLY when fueled by wood, pellets, or charcoal)
  • Shall constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment
• Cooking devices, intended for outdoor use, fueled by solid materials (wood, pellets, or charcoal) and/or liquid propane gas (LPG), natural gas or liquid fuel:
  • Shall maintain a minimum clearance of 15’ between the device and all combustible structures, fences, and/or vegetation (No clearance requirements for single-family dwellings)
  • Shall constantly be attended by a capable adult with a means of complete extinguishment
  • Shall dispose of waste (residue from wood, pellets, or charcoal) in noncombustible containers with lids tightly secured

This Order is in full force and effect for the City of Colorado Springs. The Order will remain in effect until rescinded.

Violators of this 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 this Order may be investigated as a misdemeanor or felony arson violations, which would subject violators to any penalties provided under Colorado State statutes.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department urges all citizens of and visitors to Colorado Springs to abide by this 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, as well as additional public safety information, is available at ColoradoSprings.gov/outdoorfire.

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