El Paso County Enacts Stage II Fire Restrictions as Wildfire Risk Intensifies Ahead of Fourth of July
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As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, El Paso County officials are urging residents to put fire safety first after Stage II Fire Restrictions took effect Monday in response to increasingly dangerous wildfire conditions across Southern Colorado.
Effective at 1 p.m. on June 29, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal declared Stage II Fire Restrictions for all unincorporated areas of the county. The decision comes as Colorado continues to experience extreme fire weather driven by high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds, and exceptionally dry vegetation- conditions that can allow even a small spark to quickly become a fast-moving wildfire.
The restrictions arrive during one of the busiest weekends of the summer, when many residents head outdoors for barbecues, camping trips, and holiday celebrations. Officials are asking the public to remain especially mindful of the elevated fire danger and to adjust plans accordingly.
Under the Stage II restrictions, all open burning is prohibited, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal grills. Outdoor smoking is also prohibited except inside an enclosed vehicle or building. The use of explosives, outdoor welding, and similar "hot work" activities is banned, and the sale and use of fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated areas of the county.
Some activities remain permitted. Residents may continue using gas-fueled grills, propane fire pits, and other gas appliances, while fireplaces and wood-burning stoves located inside buildings are still allowed.
The declaration follows several challenging weeks for Southern Colorado, where communities have faced a combination of severe hailstorms, extreme heat, and active wildfires. Those weather events have left vegetation dry and vulnerable, increasing the likelihood that a single accidental spark could ignite a fire capable of threatening homes, businesses, and open space.
Fire officials note that many wildfires are human-caused and can often be prevented through simple precautions. As holiday festivities begin, residents are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, avoid activities that could create sparks, and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.
The restrictions are part of a coordinated effort between the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, and surrounding fire agencies to reduce the risk of preventable wildfires while much of the region remains under heightened fire danger.
While many Fourth of July traditions will continue this weekend, county leaders hope residents recognize that protecting the community starts with individual responsibility. With wildfire conditions remaining critical across Colorado, officials say taking extra precautions now can help prevent the next major fire before it starts.
The Stage II Fire Restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.