Larimer County adopts fire restrictions
On recommendation by the Larimer County Sheriff, the Board of Larimer County Commissioners today voted 2-0 to adopt fire restrictions in unincorporated Larimer County since the danger of wildfire, forest and grass fires are great due to above-normal temperatures, lightning strikes, and windy, dry conditions.
As of 12:01 a.m., March 25, 2026, restrictions on open fires for the unincorporated portions of Larimer County go into effect. These restrictions stay in effect until 11:59 p.m., May 5, 2026. Also in effect are restrictions on the combustible devices, public firework displays and incendiary devices. This is NOT a fire ban.
This restriction is in effect for unincorporated Larimer County BELOW 9,000 feet. In order to address fire risk while still accounting for different climate areas, Larimer County has implemented a zoned approach to restrictions. The county is divided into three zones: below 6,000 feet, 6,000–9,000 feet, and above 9,000 feet. View a real-time, interactive map of the restriction area here: https://aegis.larimer.gov/
Restricted today:
- Uncontained Open Fires
- Smoking in the open is not allowed, including on trails, parks and open spaces.
- Fireplaces or wood stoves located inside a residence.
- Gas-fueled fires, including grills and camping stoves.
- Camping and cooking fires in developed camping areas
- Fires in permanently constructed masonry fire pits.
Legal Definitions:
1. Combustible Devices shall mean any object which is flammable, explodes or is designed to or may cause fire. This includes sky lanterns, exploding ammunition, exploding targets, and tracer ammunition.
2. Open Fires shall include both contained open fires, uncontained open fires and gas or liquid-fueled fires.
a. “Contained Open Fires” shall mean open fire that is in a permanently constructed stationary masonry or metal fireplaces specifically designed for the purpose of combustion. Contained Open Fires shall not include fireplaces or wood stoves located inside a permanent structure, such as a residential dwelling or commercial business.
b. “Uncontained Open Fires” shall mean any fire (including but not limited to: campfire, fireplace, recreational fire, bonfire, firepit, etc…), coal, wood or pellet stove, fireplace, any type of charcoal, wood, or pellet fueled cooking, uncontained fire of any type in an undeveloped area including camp and cooking fires, welding, or operating acetylene or other torches with open flames.
c. “Gas or Liquid Fueled Fires” shall mean fires fueled by bottled gas or pressurized liquid, which shall include but is not limited to: portable heaters, cooking stoves, heating stoves, hiking/camping stoves, grills, firepits, fireplaces, etc.)
Any person who knowingly violates the restrictions can be fined. The Ordinance for the Regulation of Open Burning in Unincorporated Larimer County can be found by clicking here: https://www.larimer.gov/sites/default/files/ordinance_concerning_the_restriction_of_open_fires_-_2022_final_04262022.pdf
Resolution here:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board finds that it is in the best interest of the
people of Larimer County and to further their safety and welfare, that there is hereby a prohibition and
ban on:
• Wood burning recreational fires NOT in a permanent enclosure or portable device
designed to contain fire.
• Pile burning and other prescribed fires.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed paved area clear of all
vegetation for at least three feet.
In the unincorporated territory of Larimer County below 9,000’, which shall be imposed effective Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. through Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following exceptions are authorized and adopted:
1. Fires in camp stoves, grills, or fire pits, fueled by bottled gas or pressurized liquid and
fires in temporary structures which are designed to contain fire and sparks from fires such
as a chiminea.
2. Fires in permanently constructed stationary masonry or metal fireplaces specifically
designed for the purpose of combustion within a developed recreation area.
3. Fires in commercially operated wood and/or charcoal fired grills designed for cooking,
4. Smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation area or while
stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable
material. Smoking within enclosed vehicle shall mean that the cigarette, cigar or other
smoking instrument is at all times contained within the vehicle and is not allowed to
leave the vehicle or protrude or be held outside the vehicle, including the window of the
vehicle. Butts and stubs must be disposed of within the vehicle.
5. Agricultural burning as described in Colorado Statute and by the Air Quality Control
Division.
