Outdoor Smoking and Many Barbecue Activities Outlawed Down The Pass
Rick Langenberg
In the wake of Valentine’s Day weekend, area residents in many Ute Pass communities are confronting the most significant fire restrictions for late February in recent memory.
This comes with a record, continual dry and warm spell, plaguing ski resorts, mountain communities, local festivities, and even summer-time recreation activities. For example, Colorado golfers, who probably would benefit from the unseasonably warm temperatures, are now told in Denver: Get ready to walk, as golf carts aren’t allowed: Our super, dry turf can’t handle this level of punishment.
The winter of 2026, if you even call it a winter, has resulted in lodging bookings at ski resorts plunging by 20 percent-plus.
The weather has also impacted winter attractions, such as Ice Castles in Cripple Creek. Oddly enough, the warm weather didn’t appear to negatively impact Cripple Creek’s annual Ice Fest event, as enough ice was available for professional carvers to complete their sculptures. In addition, the spring-like weather brought many visitors to town to view the speed-carving ice championships, which were held in a more shielded tent area. “We have had a great turnout,” said Cripple Creek Mayor Annie Durham on Valentine’s Day, the kick-off day for the 2026 festival.
Ice Fest is a different animal, though, when it comes to events. Competitors love the frigid temps for crafting their ice sculptures, but visitors and tourists crave the warmer weather.
Regardless of the tourist-related impacts of a possible record warm spell, the most serious consequences deal with fire dangers, a trend that has emergency first responders looking over their shoulders in anticipation of the next fire. High winds continue to rattle the region, and kill any hopes of relief from the repeated red flag warnings. On Feb. 17, a brief snow storm struck in the early morning hours, providing some respite from the dangerous conditions, only to turn into another bizarre wind gust, conjuring up memories of the Dust Bowl assault of the 1930s.
Unprecedented Restrictions Imposed
Due to continued high fire danger and the need to protect public health and safety, after collaborating with the Fire Chiefs of the Pikes Peak region and considering current weather conditions and ongoing lack of moisture, El Paso County Sheriff and Fire Warden Joseph Roybal imposed Stage 2 Fire restriction, following the Valentine’s Day weekend. These mandatory restrictions apply to all unincorporated areas of the county and many area communities, such as Green Mountain Falls and Cascade.
“The current conditions create an extreme risk for wildfires which can spread rapidly and threaten lives, homes, and critical infrastructure, “said Roybal, following Valentine’s Day weekend.. “As the County’s Fire Warden, it is my duty to protect life and property for our citizens. Stage II Fire Restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, and first responders. We appreciate the public’s cooperation during this critical time.”
Below is a guide to help residents and visitors understand what is permitted and what is strictly prohibited during Stage 2 Fire Restrictions.
What Is Permitted and Banned
To minimize the risk of accidental ignition, the following activities are strictly banned:
*Open Burning & Fires: All open fires and open burning are prohibited. This includes campfires, warming fires, charcoal grill fires, and the use of wood-burning stoves (except as noted below).
*Fireworks: The sale and use of all fireworks are strictly prohibited.
*Outdoor Smoking: Smoking is prohibited outdoors. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building.
*Explosives: The use of explosives is prohibited.
The following activities are allowed only when the specific safety requirements are met:
*Indoor Heating & Fireplaces: The use of fireplaces or wood-burning stoves is permitted, provided they are located within a building.
Gas-Fueled Appliances (Stoves, Fire Pits, & Appliances)
*Allowed Locations: Only in developed campgrounds, picnic grounds, or at private residences.
*Required Fuel: Must be fueled by liquid propane (LPG), natural gas, or other liquid fuels.
*Safety Clearance: The area must be cleared of all flammable materials for at least 3 feet in all directions.
*Flame Limits: Flame lengths must not exceed 2 feet.
*Shut-off Mechanism: The appliance must be able to be immediately extinguished by a switch, valve, or tip-over safety switch.
Outdoor Welding & Torch Operations (“Hot Work”)
*Clearance: Work must be performed in a clear area at least 30 feet in diameter.
*Fire Watch: A dedicated fire watch must be established with ready access to a fire extinguisher or water supply to immediately suppress any resulting fire.
Violations of Stage 2 restrictions may result in a fine of up to $1,000.00 per violation. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring law enforcement-related websites and local media for updates on fire stages and restrictions.
Sheriff Roybal will continuously monitor conditions in El Paso County, and update restriction conditions as appropriate.
As of press time, Teller County had been listed under an Orange Flag warning, meaning no burning permits would be activated. But if the warm temperatures persist, Teller will most likely join forces with El Paso County in declaring a Sage 2 ban.
Stage 2 bans are extremely unusual for this time of year.
But nothing is normal for the lengthy dry spell of 2026, with snowpacks in the high country well below normal. On the upside, conditions started to change by mid-week and are expected to take on more of a Colorado winter flair, according to extended weather reports. Still, the lack of snow is a growing concern.
