Burning Regulations

Outdoor Burn Regulations for Residents in Boulder County Within the Longmont City Limits

Extinguishing a Fire

All fires shall be constantly attended by a responsible party until the fire is fully extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate use.

Not Allowed

Open burning is prohibited inside the Longmont city limits.

Charcoal and Propane barbecues are not allowed on decks or patios of apartment/condo buildings. Exception: propane tank size that are less than 2.5 pounds.

Vegetation and Debris - no burning of leaves, trash or other household or yard debris as a means of disposal within the Longmont city limits.

What is allowable - No burn permit required

Examples of allowed uses: Recreational fires, bbq pits and commercial fire appliances.

Cooking Fires (barbecues) and Fires Contained Within An Approved Burning Pit. Charcoal and propane BBQ's are allowed on decks or patios of apartment/condo buildings if the tank is 2.5 pounds or less. Barbecue pits outdoors shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or approved in-ground locations. Barbecue pits shall not be located within 15 feet of combustible structures or combustible materials in multi-family developments. Barbecue pits shall be attended at all times until fully extinguished.

Propane or LP-gas cooking devices. Propane cooking devices are not allowed on balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, exception for gas containers that are not greater than 2 ½ pound in capacity--A 2 ½ pound propane container is the smaller, typically green "Coleman" type cylinder (16 oz.). There are several grills manufactured that accept this type of container. The reason for this provision in the code is due to the inherent nature of propane. Propane is heavier than air, tends to linger in a vapor cloud and does not diffuse easily. When propane is released, it flows and settles much like water to the lowest point. A propane leak occurring on a balcony may migrate into the apartment through an open door, or “flow” off the balcony into the open window of a lower unit. Any open flame the gas encounters may explosively ignite the cloud of propane.
Charcoal/wood pellet cooking devices. Charcoal, wood pellet and other such open-flame cooking devices are not allowed on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. EXCEPTION--when buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system and are in one-two family dwellings. Sensible reminders for any charcoal cooking -- Charcoal must never be used in an enclosed area, the fumes can be deadly. Flammable liquids like gasoline must never be used to start a charcoal fire. Use only products labeled for use as charcoal starting fluid. Never apply lighter fluid to an active fire. When done with charcoal cooking, replace the cover on the cooking device and close all air vents. Dispose of cold ashes into a noncombustible receptacle.
Electric cooking devices. Outdoor electric cooking devices may be operated on balconies or patios provided the cooking device is directly connected to an outside approved type electrical outlet and used per manufacturer’s instructions.
Natural gas cooking devices. Natural gas cooking devices are allowed on balconies and patios provided the gas fired cooking device is permanently connected, complying with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the Mechanical Code.
Exit ways. Outdoor cooking devices cannot be located where they will block exit ways, including balconies, porches, patios or walkways.
Enforcement responsibility. It is ultimately the property owner’s responsibility to ensure compliance for most regulatory issues, including open flame cooking devices. The fire department frequently works with homeowners associations (HOA’s) and property management to heighten awareness of life safety items, including the use of open-flame cooking devices. Ideally, occupants take responsibility for and abide by lease agreements and management policies, which are typically driven by a combination of insurance, fire code, legal and proprietary requirements. Pertaining to the currently adopted edition of the International Fire Code, “Correction and abatement of violations of this code shall be the responsibility of the owner.”

Recreational Fires - Definition: A recreational fire is an outdoor fire burning materials where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, and has a total fuels area of 3 ft or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, warmth or similar purposes. Natural untreated wood is allowed for burning. Prohibited materials which can not be used as fuel: yard debris, rubbish and prohibited materials. Recreational fires are permitted after dark. Check the Boulder County Air Quality at 303-782-0211 before burning. You may not burn during a red flag warning issued by Boulder County or the State of Colorado. Fires shall be attended at all times until fully extinguished. The fire department works to have a written agreement so applicant is aware of code conditions.

Portable Outdoor Fireplaces. A fire department permit is not required. Definition: A portable, outdoor, solid fuel burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. Example: gas fired fireplaces, metal or stone chiminea and commercial fire pits. May be of open design, may be equipped with small hearth, may have a short chimney or similar products. All manufacturers suggestions, instructions and safety precautions are taken to ensure the unit operates as intended. In multi-family developments (apartments, townhouses, condominiums) you can not have a fire pit within 15 feet of a structure or combustible. Prohibited materials shall not be used as a fuel. Fires shall be attended at all times until fully extinguished. An available means to extinguish shall be made available; fire extinguishers, a connected garden hose, bucket of water, etc. Only natural untreated wood shall be used or manufactured burn logs.

Open flames such as citronella candles, lanterns, kerosene heaters and gas fired heaters can not be located on or near decorative material or similar combustible materials, Burning devices shall be attended until extinguished.
Tiki Torches are allowed for use and the only condition is that they are installed in such a manner as to prevent the flame from contacting combustible material.

What may be allowable - with a burn permit from the Longmont Fire Department

Bonfire. Definition: A bonfire is an outdoor fire used for ceremonial purposes. Open burning for fires that have a fuel area larger than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Bonfires shall be inspected by fire prevention personnel prior to igniting. Bonfires shall not be located within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material. Natural untreated wood is allowed for burning. Prohibited materials shall not be used as fuel. Bonfires shall be no greater than 8 feet in diameter and 4 feet in height. Bonfires shall be attended at all times until fully extinguished. Please call 303-651-8833 during business hours.

Agricultural Burning - conditional use for open burning. Please call 303-651-8833 during business hours.

Please contact the Longmont Fire Department via email or call 303-651-8833 during business hours (Monday-Friday between 8 am-5 pm) for questions, clarifications, or assistance regarding burn regulations. If this is outside of business hours and requires immediate attention, please call 911 or 303-651-8501 (non-emergency).