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

If you live in Manitou Springs or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Manitou Springs has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Outdoor Burning

Manitou Springs has a tiered fire restriction system (Ordinance No. 1022, §6.34.050) with Stage 1 and Stage 2 (full ban) levels. Open burning of waste is always prohibited; recreational fires are allowed during Stage 0 but banned under active restrictions.

Key details: Open Waste Burning: Always prohibited. Stage 1: Fire pits allowed with screen cover and 15-foot clearance. Stage 2 / Red Flag: ALL outdoor fires prohibited including fire pits. Red Flag Triggers Stage 2: Automatically, for duration of warning. Code Section: Ord. No. 1022, §6.34.050.

Citations under §6.34.050. Violation fines and potential cost recovery for fire suppression.

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

Fire Pit Rules

Fire pits in Manitou Springs are allowed during Stage 0 (no restrictions) and Stage 1 restrictions under Ordinance No. 1022, §6.34.050, provided they have proper screen covers and 15-foot clearance from structures. Banned under Stage 2 and Red Flag Warnings.

Key details: Stage 0 (No Restriction): Fire pits allowed with standard safety practices. Stage 1: Fire pits allowed with screen cover + 15-foot clearance. Stage 2 / Red Flag: Fire pits BANNED — all solid-fuel outdoor fires. Code Reference: Ord. No. 1022, §6.34.050. Check Status: manitouspringsco.gov/733.

Burn ban violation: $100 to $600 per CRS §30-15-401. Fire causing damage: criminal charges possible. Unattended fire: citation.

Fireworks

ALL fireworks — including permissible/Safe and Sane types — are banned in Manitou Springs. Only professional/public displays with permits are allowed. Manitou Springs is in a high wildfire-risk area and strictly enforces the ban.

Key details: All Fireworks Banned: Yes — including Safe and Sane types. Only Allowed: Licensed professional public displays. Wildfire Risk: High — WUI and forested canyon setting. Report Violations: MSPD: 719-390-5555. Comparison: Both Manitou Springs AND Colorado Springs ban all fireworks.

Criminal misdemeanor; fines up to $750 statewide plus local penalties. All citations require court appearance.

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

The Bottom Line

Manitou Springs is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Manitou Springs, 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 Manitou Springs's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.