The City of Pueblo Fire Department is acting in concert with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s office in easing the Stage II fire restrictions that were enacted several weeks ago.

“These decisions are not taken lightly. Several factors are considered, and since the data has shown that the fire danger has ebbed, we have determined that certain restrictions shall be eased as well” stated Fire Chief Chris Riley. “Please take extreme caution in resuming these particular activities.”

The changes in the restrictions include:

-Smoking is now permitted outdoors, with a 3 foot clearance to combustibles.-Outdoor welding is now allowed without restrictions
-Charcoal and wood-fired grills are now allowed outdoors if combustibles are cleared away

Other outdoor open flames:-“Backyard” recreational fires are still prohibited
-Tiki torches and other open flames are still prohibited-Fireworks are still prohibited

The hope is that the monsoon weather patterns will develop and bring the moisture needed to alleviate the drought conditions that we have seen recently.

“I do not want to issue a false sense of security that all is well in regard to current conditions. Fire fuel factors are still dangerous today.” Riley continued, “But with the respect shown by our citizens for these extraordinary circumstances, we are pleased to relax the restrictions ever so slightly.”