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AS OF OCTOBER 3, 2019

EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE HAS ENACTED STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS FOR UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF EL PASO COUNTY.

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Halloween is just a little ways away! Here are some fire safety tips during this season.

Halloween is just a little ways away! Here are some fire safety tips during this season.
  • Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
  • When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
  • Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
  • Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
  • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
Calhan Fire

As the vegetation begins to dry out as summer ends, it is pertinent for everyone to take part in helping prevent wildfires. To all homeowners or renters, it is key to properly mitigate the property which you live on.

At the minimum, the first 70 feet around your home is considered defensible space. By taking care of this area, you can reduce wildfire risk around your home.

Zone 1: A safety zone around your home of 15 feet or more should be cleared of all flammable vegetation (maximum hazard reduction.)

Zone 2 should be a transition stage of fuel reduction.

Zone 3 is the farthest portion of your property that should have proper tree mitigation as well.

  • The lawn and vegetation closer to the home (Zones 1 and 2) should be manicured to short lengths and all dead or dried out vegetation should be removed.
  • Tree branches should be about 10 to 15 above the ground.
  • All firewood should be at least 15 feet away and uphill from your residence or any structures.
  • Keep all liquid propane gas tanks at least 30 feet from structures and keep an area of about 10 feet clear all the way around such tanks.

Check out this link above to learn more about Protecting Your Home from Wildfires provided by Colorado State Forest Service.

CSFS Protect Your home, Property & Forest from Wildfire
Please be very cautious when operating machinery, shooting, or using other equipment outdoors. An abundant supply of dry fuels can lead to the rapid spread of wildfires.

Please be very cautious when operating machinery, shooting, or using other equipment outdoors. An abundant supply of dry fuels can lead to the rapid spread of wildfires.

Current Fire Weather Outlook

Open Burning Information

Open Burning Information

Get a permit BEFORE you burn.​

El Paso County
Elbert County
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