EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF TERRY MAKETA ORDERS STAGE ONE FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Due to the dry conditions and the National Weather Service forecast for continued drier and warmer than normal conditions, which have resulted in large forest fires nation wide as well as the lack of national fire fighting resources Stage I fire restrictions shall go into effect immediately for El Paso County.  Ordinance NO. 02-2 states during Stage I restrictions prohibits open burning, excepting fires and campfires within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves at private residences in areas cleared of all flammable materials.  The sale or use of fireworks, outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.  This does not include fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, indoor fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, outdoor charcoal grills and wood-burning providing they are at private residences and in an area cleared of all flammable materials including dry vegetation. 

We, as a community, all have the responsibility to take those steps necessary to protect our community from the devastating effects of a wild land fire.  By following these restrictions and exercising caution during this dry weather, together we can make a significant difference in minimizing the risk of a fire and protecting our natural resources and personal properties, said Sheriff Terry Maketa.   

Your assistance and cooperation during these very dangerous conditions is appreciated.

For further information, the news media may contact Commander James Reid at 575-8400.

A full copy of the Ordinance can be seen by visiting, http://shr.elpasoco.com/ or http://car.elpasoco.com/clerktotheboard/documents/022.pdf

####
MR 12-044

EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF TERRY MAKETA ORDERS STAGE ONE FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Due to the dry conditions and the National Weather Service forecast for continued drier and warmer than normal conditions, which have resulted in large forest fires nation wide as well as the lack of national fire fighting resources Stage I fire restrictions shall go into effect immediately for El Paso County.  Ordinance NO. 02-2 states during Stage I restrictions prohibits open burning, excepting fires and campfires within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves at private residences in areas cleared of all flammable materials.  The sale or use of fireworks, outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.  This does not include fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves, indoor fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, outdoor charcoal grills and wood-burning providing they are at private residences and in an area cleared of all flammable materials including dry vegetation. 

We, as a community, all have the responsibility to take those steps necessary to protect our community from the devastating effects of a wild land fire.  By following these restrictions and exercising caution during this dry weather, together we can make a significant difference in minimizing the risk of a fire and protecting our natural resources and personal properties, said Sheriff Terry Maketa.   

Your assistance and cooperation during these very dangerous conditions is appreciated.

For further information, the news media may contact Commander James Reid at 575-8400.

A full copy of the Ordinance can be seen by visiting, http://shr.elpasoco.com/ or http://car.elpasoco.com/clerktotheboard/documents/022.pdf

####
MR 12-044