Loveland's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Loveland, Colorado, there are 8 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Outdoor Burning

Open burning in Loveland and surrounding Larimer County requires a burn permit issued through Larimer County. LFRA states: 'Burn permits ensure the use of open burning is done legally and in a coordinated manner with the Fire Departments.' Below 6,000 feet of elevation, permits are valid for 90 days year-round; above 6,000 feet, the burn season runs October 1 through May 1 only. On the day of a burn, the operator must notify dispatch at 970-962-2800 before ignition. Burning is prohibited during active Larimer County or LFRA burn restrictions and on Red Flag warning days. Recreational fires at one- and two-family homes are a separate, no-permit category (see fire-pit-rules).

Key details: Permit Issued By: Larimer County (coordinated with LFRA). Permit Length <6,000 ft: 90 days. Burn Season >6,000 ft: Oct 1 - May 1. Day-of Notification: Call 970-962-2800 before ignition. Suspended During: Burn restrictions and Red Flag warnings.

Burning without a required permit, burning prohibited materials, or burning during restrictions/Red Flag warnings is a violation of the adopted 2012 IFC (LMC Chapter 15.28) and is enforced by LFRA and Larimer County. LFRA may order an unlawful fire extinguished and refer the matter for citation. Report illegal burning to police dispatch 970-667-2151 or LFRA Community Safety 970-962-2471.

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

Brush Clearance

Loveland sits on the Front Range with the foothills of the Big Thompson Canyon immediately west, placing portions of the city and adjacent unincorporated Larimer County within the state-mapped Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) per the 2022 Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment (CO-WRA). Structures in the WUI/Wildfire Zone must comply with Loveland Fire Rescue Authority's adopted 2021 International Fire Code Appendix O (defensible space and ignition-resistant construction). Beginning April 21, 2026, the LFRA 2026 Wildfire Resiliency Code replaces Appendix O for new construction and mitigation in the WUI. LFRA also offers free Wildfire Home Assessments through engine companies.

Key details: WUI Mapping: 2022 CO-WRA (foothills/Big Thompson west of city). Current Code: 2021 IFC Appendix O (until 4/21/2026). Effective 4/21/2026: LFRA 2026 Wildfire Resiliency Code. WUI Permit Fee: $400 (Loveland Building Division). Free Home Assessment: LFRA 970-962-2613.

Failure to comply with the adopted defensible space and ignition-resistant construction standards in WUI mapped areas is a fire code violation under LMC Chapter 15.28 (adopting the IFC by reference) and may result in stop-work, citation, denial of building permit, or denial of certificate of occupancy. LFRA enforces through plan review and pre-occupancy inspection. WUI permit fee: $400.

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

Fireworks

Loveland follows Colorado fireworks law (C.R.S. 24-33.5-2001 et seq.) and enforces a 'no tolerance' policy on illegal fireworks. Permissible (legal) fireworks include sparklers, fountains, smoke balls, crackle/strobe items, wheels, spinners, and novelty items; these may be used within Loveland city limits and unincorporated Larimer County and may be sold only with a permit. Non-permissible (illegal) fireworks - anything that explodes or leaves the ground (firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerials, missiles) - are prohibited statewide except for licensed commercial pyrotechnics. Children under 16 may not possess or use fireworks without direct adult supervision.

Key details: State Statute: C.R.S. 24-33.5-2001 et seq.. Aerial/Explosive Devices: Illegal (no-tolerance policy). Permissible Devices: Sparklers, fountains, smoke balls, spinners, novelties. Age Restriction: Under 16 must be directly supervised. Sale of Legal Fireworks: Permit required.

Loveland Police and LFRA Community Safety enforce the fireworks rules with a 'no tolerance' policy. Citations are issued for use or possession of non-permissible (illegal) fireworks; illegal items are confiscated and destroyed. State petty-offense penalties under C.R.S. 24-33.5-2002 may also apply. Report to the fireworks hotline 970-962-2110 (seasonal) or police dispatch 970-667-2151.

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

Fire Pit Rules

Loveland Fire Rescue Authority (LFRA) allows recreational fires at one- and two-family homes without a permit, provided the fire is contained in a manufactured portable fire pit, outside fireplace, permanent fire pit, or chiminea. The container must include a screen or spark arrestor, may not exceed three feet in diameter, and the fire height may not exceed two feet. The fire must be at least 15 feet from any combustible object (structures, fences) and the ground within 5 feet must be cleared of combustibles. Only clean, dry wood may be burned and a non-impaired adult must monitor the fire until it is out cold.

Key details: Max Diameter: 3 ft (with screen/spark arrestor). Max Fire Height: 2 ft. Setback: 15 ft from combustibles. Allowed Fuel: Clean, dry wood only. Permit: None for compliant recreational fire.

LFRA Community Safety Division enforces recreational fire rules under the adopted 2012 IFC (LMC Chapter 15.28). Officers may order an unlawful fire extinguished. Violations are municipal offenses subject to LMC general penalty provisions. Report illegal fires to police dispatch at 970-667-2151; LFRA Community Safety at 970-962-2471.

Wildfire Zones

Loveland is split between flat plains east of the city (lower wildfire risk) and the foothills of the Big Thompson Canyon immediately west, which are mapped as Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) under the 2022 Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment (CO-WRA). LFRA enforces the 2021 International Fire Code Appendix O for any structure within the WUI/Wildfire Zone until April 21, 2026, when the LFRA 2026 Wildfire Resiliency Code takes effect. Property owners can confirm WUI status with the LFRA Wildfire Risk Map and the 2022 CO-WRA WUI layer on Colorado GeoData. WUI permits cost $400 (effective January 1, 2024) and are processed through the City of Loveland Building Division or Larimer County Building Department.

Key details: Authoritative Map: 2022 CO-WRA WUI (geodata.colorado.gov). WUI Areas: Big Thompson Canyon / foothills west of city. Adopted Code: 2021 IFC Appendix O (until 4/21/2026). Replacement Code: LFRA 2026 Wildfire Resiliency Code. WUI Permit Fee: $400 (effective 1/1/2024).

Failure to comply with WUI defensible space and construction standards is a violation of the adopted 2012 IFC (LMC Chapter 15.28, with Appendix O enforced for WUI under LFRA policy) and may trigger permit denial, stop-work, or denial of certificate of occupancy. LFRA enforces through plan review and pre-occupancy inspection. WUI permit fee: $400.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Loveland actively enforces its wildfire zones requirements.

Smoke Detectors

Loveland enforces smoke alarm placement under the 2012 International Fire Code adopted by reference at LMC Chapter 15.28 and the locally adopted residential building codes administered by the City of Loveland Building Division. Smoke alarms must be installed in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on each story including basements (per IFC/IRC standards). Carbon monoxide alarms are required by Colorado state law (C.R.S. 38-45-101 et seq.) within 15 feet of the entrance to each room used for sleeping in any dwelling with a fuel-fired appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. LFRA provides free battery-replacement assistance through non-emergency dispatch at 970-667-2151.

Key details: Smoke Alarm Code: 2012 IFC via LMC Ch. 15.28 + IRC. Placement: Every bedroom + outside sleeping area + each story. CO Alarm Statute: C.R.S. 38-45-101 to -106. CO Alarm Distance: Within 15 ft of each sleeping room. Free Battery Help: LFRA 970-667-2151.

Missing or inoperative smoke alarms are a violation of the adopted 2012 IFC (LMC Chapter 15.28) and the IRC. Missing or inoperative CO alarms in a covered dwelling are a violation of C.R.S. 38-45-102/103/104. Landlords who fail to install required CO alarms may be liable in civil court under C.R.S. 38-45-105. LFRA contact: 970-962-2471.

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

Backyard Fires

Backyard fires in Loveland are limited to recreational fires at one- and two-family homes in a manufactured portable fire pit, outside fireplace, permanent fire pit, or chiminea. The container must have a screen or spark arrestor, be no larger than 3 feet in diameter, the fire no taller than 2 feet, sited at least 15 feet from any structure or fence, and the ground within 5 feet cleared of combustibles. Only clean, dry wood may be burned - no trash, leaves, yard debris, construction materials, or recyclables. A non-impaired adult must monitor the fire until it is out cold. Recreational fires are prohibited when burn restrictions or Red Flag warnings are active. No permit is required for a compliant backyard fire.

Key details: Allowed Container: Manufactured pit, outside fireplace, permanent pit, chiminea. Max Diameter: 3 ft (with screen/spark arrestor). Max Fire Height: 2 ft. Setback: 15 ft from combustibles + 5 ft clear ground. Banned: Trash, leaves, yard debris, construction materials.

LFRA Community Safety enforces backyard fire rules under the adopted 2012 IFC (LMC Chapter 15.28). Officers may order an oversized, improperly fueled, or unsupervised fire extinguished. Burning prohibited materials or burning during a restriction/Red Flag warning is a municipal offense subject to LMC general penalty provisions. Report to police dispatch 970-667-2151 or LFRA Community Safety 970-962-2471.

Propane Storage

Loveland follows the 2012 International Fire Code Chapter 61 (LP-Gas) adopted by reference at LMC Chapter 15.28, plus federal DOT cylinder requalification rules enforced through LFRA's compressed-gas inspection program. LFRA states: 'Cylinders are required to be requalified or replaced every 5 to 12 years depending on the cylinder type, condition, and previous requalification method.' Propane tanks built into mobile food vehicles are exempt from DOT reinspection. IFC Chapter 61 limits LP-gas containers on balconies and within 10 feet of combustibles (with exceptions for one- and two-family dwellings, sprinklered properties, and small containers); permanent commercial propane installations require an IFC permit administered by LFRA.

Key details: Code Cite: 2012 IFC Ch. 61 via LMC Ch. 15.28. Cylinder Requalification: Every 5 to 12 years (DOT). Food Truck Tanks: Exempt from DOT reinspection. Apartment Balcony Limit: IFC Ch. 61 (10 ft from combustibles; small-container exception). Commercial Permit Contact: LFRA Community Safety 970-962-2471.

Violations of LP-gas storage, use, or cylinder requalification are enforced under the adopted 2012 IFC (LMC Chapter 15.28) by LFRA Community Safety. Out-of-date cylinders may not be refilled by Colorado dealers. Commercial LP-gas installations without a required IFC permit are subject to stop-work and citation. LFRA Community Safety: 970-962-2471.

The Bottom Line

Loveland is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Loveland, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Loveland can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.