Fire restrictions were downgraded Tuesday to Stage 1 following late spring showers in the Pikes Peak region, according to a news release from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

Restrictions started at Stage 2 for the county on Feb. 16 amid fire weather conditions that has had officials on edge. The Sheriff’s Office said in an updated news release that recent moisture and more favorable forecasts in the Pikes Peak region led to their decision to downgrade from Stage 2. The precipitation has led to green-up in vegetation, which reduces the risk of wildfires spreading more quickly.

Colorado Springs has received 0.33 of an inch of precipitation in May, behind the month-to-date normal of 0.63. The city has received 3.36 inches of precipitation this year, slightly behind the average of 3.48.

The updated restrictions will go into effect Tuesday at noon, per El Paso County Ordinance 22-001.

“While these conditions are encouraging, wildfire risk remains, and continued vigilance is essential,” El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal said in the release.

The decision to lower restrictions was made in collaboration with local district fire chiefs.

The Sheriff’s Office provided a list of prohibited and permitted activities under Stage 1 restrictions.

Prohibited activities

1. Open burning: All general open burning is banned. Any previously issued open burn permits are hereby revoked.
2. Fireworks: The sale and use of fireworks are prohibited.
3. Model rockets: The launching of model rockets is prohibited.
4. Explosives: Use of explosive targets or any other outdoor pyrotechnics is prohibited.
5. Unprotected engines: Operating any internal combustion engine without a properly installed and working spark-arresting device is prohibited.

Permitted activities

1. Campfires and cooking
   1. Developed areas: Campfires and fires are permitted only within permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds.
   2. Private residences. Charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves are permitted at private residences, provided the area is cleared of all flammable materials for a 3-foot radius.
   3. Gas/liquid appliances: Use of stoves, fire pits or appliances fueled by liquid petroleum (LPG), natural gas or liquid fuel is allowed.
2. Outdoor smoking
   1. Smoking is permitted only within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter which is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
3. Outdoor welding and torch operations
   1. Welding or operating an acetylene (or similar) torch with an open flame is allowed only if performed in an area cleared of all vegetation and flammable materials.

Suspected violations can be reported by calling 719-390-5555.