The Town of Pagosa Springs has rescinded Stage 2 fire restrictions effective Friday, July 24. The town will remain under Stage 1 fire restrictions due to continued dry conditions and wildfire risk.
The restrictions were ordered by Town Manager David Harris pursuant to the town’s emergency authority and following consultation with the Pagosa Fire Protection District, the Archuleta County sheriff, and the Pagosa Springs chief of police.
Activities prohibited under Stage 1 restrictions
Open burning and campfires: Building, maintaining, attending or using an open fire, campfire or stove fire is prohibited outside of developed areas. This includes charcoal grills and coal- or wood-burning stoves.
Smoking: Smoking outdoors is prohibited unless inside an enclosed vehicle or building, within a developed recreation site, or in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable materials.
Fireworks and explosives: All fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracer ammunition and incendiary rounds are prohibited.
Open-flame torch work: Welding or operating an acetylene or other open-flame torch is prohibited unless conducted within an area cleared of flammable materials for at least 10 feet in all directions and with a pressurized fire extinguisher immediately available.
Activities allowed under Stage 1 restrictions
Recreational fires are allowed only in developed areas within permanently constructed, noncombustible fire structures made of steel, concrete, stone or brick. The structure must include a grate covering the entire opening and may not exceed 2 feet by 2 feet.
Portable stoves, lanterns and patio heaters fueled by liquid petroleum gas, pressurized liquid fuel or gas are permitted when they can be turned off using a valve.
Charcoal grills may be used on developed residential properties. Residents are urged to use extreme caution.
All fires must be attended to at all times and completely extinguished after use, including the elimination of all heat and combustible material.
Chain saws and other internal-combustion equipment must have a properly maintained USDA- or SAE-approved spark arrestor. Operators must also have a pressurized fire extinguisher and a round-point shovel at least 35 inches long readily available.
Residents are encouraged to remain cautious and stay informed about changing fire conditions. To report an active fire or smoke plume, call 911. For nonemergency concerns, contact dispatch at (970) 731-2160.
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