(La Junta, CO) -- Dry conditions and multiple wildfires mean Otero county will now be on stage one fire restrictions. The call was made official at Monday’s Otero County commissioners meeting. Emergency Manager Danny Chavez says the 120 day outlook for fire conditions is grim at best. He says the stage one fire restrictions include prohibiting outside burning.
The following activates are restricted:
Open burning, except fire and campfires within constructed fire grated inside developed camp and picnic grounds, charcoal grills and wood burning stoves at private residences. These areas must be cleared of all flammable materials. (exemptions are allowed for agricultural burning on a case by case basis may be granted by the appropriate fire district. The sale or use of fireworks without a permit. Outdoor smoking except inside a car or stopped in an area at lease three feet in diameter that is barren f all flammable materials.
Chavez says the restrictions remain in effect until they lift them.
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