Fire Regulations in Cheyenne, WY: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Cheyenne or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Cheyenne has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Outdoor Burning

Cheyenne restricts open burning of trash and yard waste, allowing only small recreational fires in approved containers. Cheyenne Fire Rescue can issue red-flag bans during High Plains wildfire conditions.

Key details: Trash burning: Prohibited. Recreational fires: Allowed in pits. Burn bans: Issued by Fire Marshal. Wind threshold: Watch red flags.

Illegal open burning and burning during a declared ban can produce fines from one hundred to seven hundred fifty dollars, full firefighting cost recovery, and criminal charges if a fire spreads to neighboring property.

Fire Pit Rules

Cheyenne Fire Rescue allows residential fire pits and chimineas burning clean dry wood when kept small, attended, and at safe setbacks from structures, fences, and overhanging vegetation.

Key details: Maximum size: Three feet wide. Setback: 15 to 25 feet. Allowed fuel: Clean dry wood. Attendance: Adult required.

Oversized fires, unattended pits, or pits too close to structures can be ordered extinguished, drawing fines from one hundred to several hundred dollars and full liability if embers ignite neighboring property.

Propane Storage

Cheyenne follows Wyoming-adopted International Fire Code propane rules, capping residential cylinder storage and requiring tank setbacks from structures, doorways, and ignition sources at private homes.

Key details: Code basis: International Fire Code. Indoor storage: Tightly limited. Tank setbacks: From structures and lines. Inspector: Cheyenne Fire Marshal.

Improperly stored propane can prompt a Fire Marshal abatement order, fines from one hundred to several hundred dollars, refusal of insurance claims after incidents, and possible criminal liability for explosions.

Fireworks

Cheyenne prohibits the discharge of consumer fireworks within city limits year-round, including around Independence Day and Cheyenne Frontier Days, with enforcement by Cheyenne Police and Cheyenne Fire Rescue.

Key details: Consumer fireworks: Prohibited in city. Public displays: Permit required. Enforcement: CPD and Cheyenne Fire. Wildfire risk: High in summer.

Discharging fireworks in city limits is a municipal violation with fines commonly running one to seven hundred fifty dollars, and reckless use causing fire or injury can lead to criminal charges and full restitution.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Cheyenne actively enforces its fireworks requirements.

Brush Clearance

Cheyenne requires property owners to control tall weeds and dry brush that pose fire or pest risks under Title 8 nuisance and Title 6 building rules, with abatement and lien remedies available.

Key details: Code reference: Title 8 nuisance. Typical height: Twelve inch limit. Notice: Written before abatement. Cost recovery: Lien on property.

Failure to abate weeds or brush after notice typically triggers city-contracted cutting at the owner's cost plus an administrative fee, with unpaid charges placed as a lien on the property tax bill.

Wildfire Zones

Cheyenne is not in a designated wildland-urban interface zone like mountain towns, but High Plains grass fires and F.E. Warren AFB perimeter fires drive seasonal red-flag warnings and burn restrictions.

Key details: Terrain: High Plains grassland. Main threat: Wind-driven grass fire. Federal partner: F.E. Warren AFB. Defensible space: Recommended.

Burning during red-flag bans can draw fines from one hundred fifty to seven hundred fifty dollars per incident, full suppression-cost reimbursement, and criminal charges if conduct is reckless and a fire spreads.

The Bottom Line

Cheyenne's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Cheyenne is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Cheyenne's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.