Why Aurora Has Some of the Strictest Fire Regulations in the State
If you live in Aurora or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Aurora has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
Fireworks
Aurora allows only narrowly defined "permissible fireworks", no aerial or audible devices, and only from June 15 through July 4, with a $250 minimum fine for violations.
Key details: Legal window: June 15 – July 4 only. Minimum age (unsupervised): 16 years old. Minimum fine: $250, cannot be suspended. Aerial/audible fireworks: Always prohibited.
Illegal fireworks carry a fine of not less than $250 and not more than the City Code's general penalty maximum, imprisonment, or both; the minimum fine cannot be suspended by municipal court.
This is one of the stricter rules in Aurora's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Outdoor Burning
Aurora bans burning combustible refuse in unapproved incinerators and treats open burning the same way -- violators must get a variance from the county air pollution variance board before burning is allowed.
Key details: Governing sections: City Code §§ 114-43, 114-44. Open burning requires: county air pollution variance. Variance board appointed by: Arapahoe, Adams, or Douglas commissioners. Code currency: through Ordinance 2026-17, May 2026. Penalty basis: general penalty, City Code § 1-13.
Burning refuse in an unapproved incinerator or by open burning without a county variance violates Secs. 114-43 and 114-44, punishable under the general penalty in City Code Section 1-13 -- fines and municipal court prosecution.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.
The Bottom Line
Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Aurora, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Aurora's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.