Fire Regulations in Aurora, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Backyard Fires

Backyard recreational fires in Aurora are allowed in approved pits when within size limits, properly attended, and outside any active fire restriction period.

Key details: Max size: 3 feet wide by 2 feet tall. Setback: 15 to 25 feet from combustibles. Attendance: Adult with water source. Stage 1: Wood fires banned, gas usually allowed. Stage 2: Most open flame banned.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/residents/public_safety/fire) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Wildfire Zones

Aurora's eastern plains edge and open space buffers are the highest wildfire risk areas, and the Fire Marshal enforces wildland-urban interface requirements for new construction.

Key details: Highest risk: Eastern plains fringe and reservoir edge. Defensible space: 30 to 100 feet recommended. WUI code: Applied to new construction in risk zones. Alerts: CodeRED emergency notifications. Mutual aid: Metro Denver fire agencies.

Outdoor Burning

Open burning of trash, leaves, and yard waste is prohibited in Aurora, and recreational fires must use approved containers with limits on size and fuel.

Key details: Trash burning: Prohibited. Recreational fire: 3 feet wide by 2 feet tall max. Setback: 15 to 25 feet from structures. Fuel: Clean wood or charcoal only. Bans: Red flag and Stage 1 or 2 restrictions.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its outdoor burning requirements.

Brush Clearance

Aurora requires property owners to control tall weeds, dry brush, and dead vegetation that can fuel fire, with enforcement through the weed ordinance and fire code.

Key details: Max weed height: Generally 6 to 8 inches. Defensible zone: Typically 30 feet around structures. Authority: Aurora Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement. Noncompliance: City may abate and lien. Prime areas: Eastern fringe, undeveloped parcels.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/co/aurora/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Smoke Detectors

Aurora requires working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level of a dwelling under the adopted International Fire Code and state law.

Key details: Every bedroom: Alarm required inside. Each level: Including basement. Interconnection: Required in new builds and major remodels. CO alarms: Within 15 feet of sleeping areas. Free program: Aurora Fire Rescue installs for eligible residents.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its smoke detectors requirements.

Propane Storage

Aurora Fire Rescue enforces propane storage limits under the International Fire Code adopted by Aurora City Code Chapter 50, restricting cylinder size and quantity at residential properties and prohibiting indoor storage of cylinders over one pound.

Key details: Code adopted: International Fire Code. Indoor limit: One pound cylinder. Permit: Stationary tanks need AFR permit. Setbacks: From buildings and lines. Inspector: Aurora Fire Rescue.

Improper indoor storage, oversized cylinders, or unpermitted stationary tanks trigger Aurora Fire Rescue correction orders, fines, and required removal under International Fire Code.

Fire Pit Rules

Gas and charcoal fire pits are permitted in Aurora under normal conditions. Wood-burning fire pits are allowed for recreational use but may be restricted during elevated fire danger. Aurora Fire Rescue monitors conditions and can impose additional restrictions including banning all open flames.

Key details: Gas Fire Pits: Generally allowed. Wood-Burning: May be restricted in bans. Propane Exempt: Usually exempt from bans. Authority: Aurora Fire Rescue.

Using a fire pit during a declared ban: citation by Aurora Fire Rescue. Creating a fire hazard: additional penalties under the International Fire Code.

Fireworks

Consumer fireworks that leave the ground or explode are banned in Aurora, and only sparklers, fountains, and other ground-based novelties are legal under state law.

Key details: Banned: Aerial shells, mortars, bottle rockets, firecrackers. Allowed: Sparklers, fountains, ground novelties. Buyer age: 16 and older under CRS 12-28-101. Red flag: Fire Chief may ban all fireworks. Professional: Permit required.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://leg.colorado.gov/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

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.

The Bottom Line

Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 3 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.