The Colorado Springs Fire Department Fire Marshal, Kris Cooper, has ordered a burn ban within the City of Colorado Springs. The order will go into effect on June 29 at 12 p.m.
The burn ban is being implemented due to increasingly dangerous fire conditions, including prolonged dry weather, a lack of significant moisture, forecasted high temperatures, and elevated wildfire risk. In addition, multiple wildfires have started across Colorado within the past 24 hours, placing increased demand on firefighting resources statewide.
These conditions significantly increase the potential for fast-moving fires and make it necessary to temporarily prohibit activities that could ignite a wildfire.
The following activities are prohibited during the burn ban:
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Outdoor cooking fueled by wood, pellets, or charcoal
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Outdoor fires in portable or fixed fireplaces fueled by wood, pellets, or charcoal
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Recreational fires, including campfires not contained in a portable or fixed fireplace
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Operating small internal combustion engines, such as chainsaws, without a properly installed and functioning spark arrestor
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Outdoor smoking in city parks or open spaces
Additionally:
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Permits for bonfires and model rockets will not be issued while the burn ban is in effect.
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Outdoor hot work activities, including welding, brazing, blasting, and torching, will require a permit from the Colorado Springs Fire Department
The Colorado Springs Fire Department urges all residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution. Even a single spark can quickly become a dangerous wildfire under current conditions.
Violations of the burn ban may result in fines, imprisonment, or both, as allowed by City ordinance.