El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal has issued a reminder that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect for the county’s unincorporated areas due to persistent dry weather and high fire risk. The sheriff, who also serves as the county’s fire warden, cited low precipitation and ongoing Red Flag wind conditions as major factors contributing to the increased threat of wildland fires.
“Below-average precipitation combined with Red Flag wind conditions significantly increases the risk of wildland fires in our community, and the threat remains high. As always, I will continue to evaluate the conditions and the need to keep the restrictions in place into the future. Our priority is the safety of our residents, visitors, and first responders. Even a single spark can have devastating consequences under these dry conditions. I’m asking everyone to remain vigilant, follow the current restrictions, and do their part to help prevent human-caused wildfires across our county,” Sheriff Roybal said.
Sheriff Roybal continues to monitor local fire risks in coordination with regional fire districts and chiefs. He stated that updates will be provided as necessary based on changing conditions across the Pikes Peak region.
The current Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are established under El Paso County Ordinance No. 22-001. They prohibit open burning except for certain circumstances such as campfires within permanent grates at developed sites or charcoal grills at private residences cleared of flammable materials within three feet. The use of fireworks without professional permits, outdoor pyrotechnics including explosive targets or model rockets, is also not allowed.
Other prohibited activities include outdoor smoking unless it occurs within an enclosed vehicle or building or in a designated cleared area; welding or using an acetylene torch with an open flame outside vegetation-free zones; operating internal combustion engines without spark-arresting devices; and conducting prescribed burns under previously issued permits, which are now revoked.
These measures are intended to reduce human-caused wildfire risk during ongoing dry periods in El Paso County. Residents are encouraged to stay alert for wildfire signs, report any incidents promptly, exercise caution outdoors, and sign up for Peak Alerts to receive emergency notifications directly from county officials.
