Most outdoor burning in unincorporated Larimer County requires
a permit signed by both the Fire Department and
the Department of Health and Environment. The fire department
evaluates applications for potential fire safety
issues, while the health department evaluates
applications for air quality issues that can impact
human health. For example, open burning
releases fine particulates that can aggravate
chronic lung diseases and carbon monoxide that
can prevent the transport of oxygen in the blood.
Open burning in Larimer County is regulated by
the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment/Air Pollution Control Division and
Larimer County Department of Health and
Environment under Colorado Air Quality Control
Commission's Regulation One. Open burning
without a permit is illegal and can result in fines
of up to $10,000 per day.
Prohibited Materials
Routine yard and garden clean-up waste
Structures
Construction debris
Household garbage
Materials that produce excessive smoke
Commercial/Business waste
Stumps
Safety Guidelines
Pile debris in open areas away from standing timber and structures.
Piles should be no larger than 8 feet wide and 6 feet high.
There must be a minimum of 3 inches of snow cover around piles.
Winds should be less than 10 mph.
Always have water, a rake, and a shovel available.
Attend all fires until completely out.
All burning must be extinguished by nightfall.
A General Open Burn Permit must be obtained before burning mountain slash piles in unincorporated Larimer County. The open burn period is from October 1 thru March 31 and is dependent upon favorable conditions (4 inches of snow on ground, light wind, daylight burning only). Applications will not be processed until one week before the start of the open burn period.
Additional Information
Burn requests in the Poudre Fire Authority area need to contact PFA directly at their office (102 Remington St., FC) or at 416-2874. See PFA area map[pdf] to see if you fall within their jurisdiction (white area on the map).
Burn requests in the Loveland Fire Protection District require a site inspection and payment of a $30 fee.
