Fire Regulations in Denver, CO

Denver maintains 158 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Denver falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Denver requires a written open burning permit for backyard fires, including fire pits and chimineas, unless the device is used exclusively for noncommercial outdoor cooking: violators face fines up to $2,000 per day.

Key details: Permit required: Written permit from Dept. of Public Health. Cooking devices: Exempt if used exclusively for cooking. Max penalty: $2,000 per violation per day. Permit factors: Location, weather, fire dept compliance weighed.

Unpermitted open burning is a chapter-wide violation punishable by a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation per day, assessed by the Department of Public Health and Environment.

This is one of the stricter rules in Denver's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Smoke Detectors

Every licensed Denver residential rental property must have a functioning smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguisher in each dwelling unit, enforced through the city's rental licensing program.

Key details: Governs: Licensed residential rental properties. Required in unit: Smoke detector, CO detector, extinguisher. Enforcer: Dept. of Excise and Licenses. Max civil penalty: $5,000 per violation, per day. Licensing phase-in: Multi-unit 2023; single-unit 2024.

Civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation per day under § 27-203, enforceable as a lien against the property; missing detectors can also trigger license denial, suspension, or revocation under §§ 27-197 and 27-200.

Fireworks

Denver treats fireworks as an explosive device: igniting, discharging, or detonating them anywhere in the city is unlawful unless you have valid authorization from the city, under the municipal weapons code.

Key details: Governing section: DRMC § 38-120. First-offense fine: $500 minimum. Requirement: Valid authorization from the city. Parks ban: Also banned in parks, § 39-8(c). Enforcing agency: Denver Police Department.

First offense: $500 fine minimum. Second offense within five years: $750. Third and subsequent offenses: $999 -- under § 38-128(a), plus possible weapon forfeiture under § 38-129.

Compared to other cities, Denver takes a harder line on fireworks. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Outdoor Burning

Denver prohibits open burning citywide unless the Department of Public Health and Environment issues a written burn permit, with narrow exemptions for outdoor cooking devices and safety flares.

Key details: Permit required: Written permit before any open burn. Cooking exemption: Outdoor noncommercial cooking devices exempt. Flare exemption: Smokeless or safety flares also exempt. Civil penalty: Up to $2,000 per violation per day. Enforcing agency: Dept. of Public Health and Environment.

Violating the open-burning permit requirement carries a civil penalty of up to two thousand dollars per violation per day, assessed by Denver's Department of Public Health and Environment under the chapter's enforcement authority.

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

The Bottom Line

Denver is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Denver, 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 Denver's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.