The Town of Pagosa Springs has issued an emergency order imposing Stage I fire restrictions within the town limit.
According to the order, "... the Pagosa Springs Home Rule Charter, Section 12.6, provides that in case of riot, insurrection or extraordinary emergency, the Mayor and the Manager, acting jointly can execute any action to protect life and property including establishing regulations governing conduct and activities related to the cause or effect of the emergency."
It further notes that the order is based on consultation with fire managers and managers of federal lands, the Archuleta County sheriff having imposed Stage I fire restrictions within unincorporated areas of Archuleta County and the United States Forest Service has implemented Stage II fire restrictions within the San Juan National Forest.
It explains that on "August 10, 2025, the Oak Fire began in the Aspen Springs area of Archuleta County west of Pagosa Springs burning several outbuildings and 75 acres of wildland, the Oak Fire remains uncontrolled, and the Oak Fire resulted in disaster emergency declarations from Archuleta County and the State of Colorado."
It adds, "[F]irefighting resources have been depleted by the Oak Fire, areas within and immediately adjacent to Pagosa Springs are at equivalent wildfire risk as the area involved in the Oak Fire, and if an uncontrolled fire were to start in such areas the property and lives of Town residents and visitors would be in immediate danger."
Based on consultation with the Pagosa Fire Protection District fire chief, the Archuleta County sheriff and the United States Forest Service, and the based on the fire danger within and near the Town of Pagosa Springs, the mayor and town manager of the Town of Pagosa Springs "find that it is reasonable and necessary to impose Stage I fire restrictions within the Town of Pagosa Springs, consistent with those in effect within unincorporated areas of Archuleta County."
The order is as follows:
1. Incorporation of Definitions and Interpretation. Except as expressed herein this Order shall be interpreted to be consistent with the intent of Ordinance No. 18-2017 of the Board of County Commissioners of the Archuleta County, except that is shall be applicable within the Town of Pagosa Springs, the Mayor and the Town Manager are the authorized personnel in place of the Sheriff, and the source of authority is the Town Charter and Colorado Constitutional and statutory authority for home rule municipalities.
The definitions contained in Archuleta County Ordinance No. 18-2017 are incorporated herein.
2. Imposition of Stage I Fire Restrictions: Stage I fire restrictions are hereby imposed within the Town of Pagosa Springs. The following are prohibited within the Town of Pagosa Springs:
(a) Open fire and open burning, excepting fires and campfires within permanently constructed fire grates, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds, or private residences in areas cleared of all flammable materials, other than those exceptions/exemptions as noted in Section 3 below.
(b) The sale or use of fireworks.
3. Exceptions/Exemptions. The following shall not be in violation of Section 2 of this ordinance:
(a) Commercial or community fireworks displays properly permitted by the Pagosa Fire Protection District Fire Marshal or Fire Chief.
(b) Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves; indoor fireplaces and wood-burning stoves; and outdoor charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves, providing they are at private residences and in an area cleared of all flammable materials including dry vegetation.
(c) Persons with a permit or written authorization from the Pagosa Fire Protection District Fire Marshal or Fire Chief, specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
(d) Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty.
(e) Any further exemptions to either the meaning of terms or the enforcement of this Ordinance shall be granted only by the Mayor and Town Manager, and only if the proposed action is deemed by the Mayor and Manager and the Pagosa Fire Protection District Fire Marshal or Fire Chief, to be safe and manageable with the concurrence of any special district having fire jurisdiction.
A general discussion of what is permitted and what is prohibited during Stage I fire restrictions can be found at https://www.archuletacounty.gov/stage-1-fire-restrictions- effective-1201-on-tues-august-5th/; in case of conflict, this Order shall prevail.
4. Publication and Posting. This Order and a public statement noting the prohibited activities set forth herein shall be published on the Town's website and posted at the Town Hall for so long as they remain in effect.
5. Town Council Consideration. The appropriateness and continuation or termination of this emergency declaration and imposition of Stage I fire restrictions shall be scheduled for the next regular meeting of the Pagosa Springs Town Council on August 19, 2025.
6. PSMC and IFC Amendment; Enforcement. This Order shall be enforced as provided in Article 3 of the Pagosa Springs Municipal Code (PSMC) and as an amendment of Chapter 21, Section 6.13.6 PSMC and associated provisions of the International Fire Code (IFC).
7. Effective Date: Term. The fire restrictions adopted herein shall be effective immediately and remain in effect until amended, rescinded, or reinstated by further order of the Mayor and Town Manager, or the Pagosa Springs Town Council.
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