Sheriff declares Stage One fire ban

CONEJOS COUNTY — Effective immediately and until further notice, Conejos County Sheriff Robert Gurule has issued a County-wide Stage One Fire Ban and restrictions.  
Due to continued low humidity and high winds, Gurule has imposed a ban on open fires including but not limited to burning of trash,lawns,weeds,fields,camp fires, warming fires,charcoal grill fires and the use of fireworks.
Gas grills at private residences and fireplaces within buildings are not included in this Stage One ban.
People in violation of this ban will be issued a summons to appear in Conejos County Court. The purpose of this order is to protect public health and safety due to the current and anticipated elevated risk of harm to wildfire.
Restrictions
• Building,maintaining,attending or using a fire, campfire,barbecue, grill or stove fire, except in constructed, permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed recreation sites and the use of portable stoves,lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum,pressurized liquid fuel or a fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove with a X” spark arrester type screen is permitted.
• Smoking,except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site,or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating a chain saw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire  extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A kept with the operator and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
•  Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A.
• Using an explosive.

Exemptions
The following persons are exempt from specified Prohibitions of this order.
• Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission may be eligible for an exemption from some prohibitions.