From CSFD:
Due to current and forecasted weather conditions, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), by and through the Division of the Fire Marshal, has determined that measures must be taken to reduce the possibility of structure, grassland, and forest fires. Therefore:
Effective June 8, 2018, at 1200 hours (MDT), the City of Colorado Springs has enacted 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 shall be accompanied by the appropriate CSFD permit
- 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 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 outdoor fire appliances installed in accordance with the currently adopted international mechanical code or 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 non- combustible 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 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 444-7000.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can city residents burn leaves or trash outdoors? No, this is an illegal activity. Violations should be reported to the CSFD Division of the Fire Marshal at (719) 385-5978.
- Is burning trash in a fireplace allowed in the city? No, debris or trash burning is not allowed.
- What is a spark arrestor for fireplace / fire pit? The metal grate that is placed over or around the fireplace / fire pit to help prevent flammable debris from flying out of the fireplace / fire pit.
- What is a spark arrestor for small engine equipment (Chainsaws, lawn mowers, etc.)? A small metal device in the equipment that helps to prevent sparks and flammable debris.