El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal has eased wildfire rules across unincorporated parts of the county, dialing restrictions back from Stage II to Stage I while keeping a firm lid on open burning and fireworks. The new order takes effect at 12 p.m. today and applies to all unincorporated areas of El Paso County.
Roybal detailed the change in a Facebook update and county news release, saying recent moisture and a noticeable "vegetation green‑up" have lowered the immediate flash potential for wildfires. Stage II had been in place since Feb. 16, when officials tightened rules amid gusty, dry conditions, according to KKTV. You can read the full order from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and see the original announcement on Facebook.
What Stage I Means For Residents
Stage I is less severe than Stage II, but it is not a green light to start backyard bonfires. The county ordinance still bans open burning, revokes existing open burn permits, and prohibits the sale and use of fireworks, model rockets, and explosive targets. Internal‑combustion engines must be equipped with spark‑arresting devices, as laid out in El Paso County Ordinance #22-001.
Campfires and cooking in developed campgrounds are allowed only in permanently constructed fire grates. At private homes, charcoal grills and wood‑burning stoves are permitted only if they are surrounded by a three‑foot radius cleared of flammable material. Welding and torch work must be done in cleared areas with a fire watch standing by.
Gas‑ or liquid‑fueled stoves and appliances remain allowed in developed sites or at residences, so long as they are used with the required clearances and safety features. Local officials and outlets emphasize that flame height limits and shut‑off controls have to be followed carefully to prevent accidental ignitions, according to reporting by KOAA.
Enforcement And Penalties
Under the county ordinance, violating Stage I restrictions can cost up to $600 per offense, and violations under Stage II can run up to $1,000 per offense. The rules also allow for criminal prosecution or penalty assessments for those who ignore the restrictions.
The sheriff's office is asking residents to report suspected violations by calling 719‑390‑5555, and it directs the public to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office website for updated fire maps and guidance.
Why Roybal Eased Restrictions
Roybal credits spring moisture and the recent green‑up of grasses and other fuels with lowering the immediate risk of a fast‑moving blaze, while stressing that wildfire danger is hardly gone. "Vegetation green‑up reduces the flash risk of immediate spread of wildfire," he wrote in the department's Facebook announcement.
Officials are still urging residents and visitors to stay sharp around campfires, grills, and vehicles, especially when the wind kicks up, and a small spark can turn into a problem in a hurry. Local coverage and fire officials note that sticking to the clearance and equipment rules, and reporting suspected violations quickly, remains one of the best ways to head off human‑caused wildfires, per KKTV.
