PUEBLO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff David J. Lucero, in consultation with county fire chiefs, is implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions effective at 12:01 a.m. today. The restrictions were implemented due to ongoing dry conditions and the high fire danger that persists in the region.
“The decision to go to Stage 1 fire restrictions is not taken lightly but is being done for the safety of our citizens and the First Responders,” said Sheriff Lucero, who is the fire warden for Pueblo County. “The lack of moisture, combined with recent winds and warmer temperatures, has created very dry conditions in the county. We have already had a few fires in Pueblo County and in surrounding counties. Some of those fires were determined to be human caused, which has created a real safety concern.”
Sheriff Lucero and the fire chiefs throughout Pueblo County have been monitoring conditions and reviewing recent fire activity in the area, which led to the decision to implement the Stage 1 restrictions.
Stage 1 restrictions prohibit: • Open burning, except fires and campfires withing constructed fire grates inside developed camp and picnic grounds, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves at private residences. These areas must be cleared of all flammable materials. (Exemption allowed for agricultural burning on a case-by-case basis may be granted by appropriate fire jurisdictions.
• The sale of fireworks without a permit.
• Outdoor smoking except inside a vehicle or stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren of all flammable materials.
Pueblo County is not alone in issuing restrictions. Several surrounding counties, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have already imposed Stage 1 restrictions.
Violations of the fire restrictions can result in fines and mandatory court appearances.