Fire Regulations in Pueblo, CO

If you live in Pueblo or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Pueblo has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Smoke Detectors

Pueblo requires bed and breakfast homes to have working smoke alarms on every floor, verified through periodic Fire Department and Health Department inspections tied to the home's special use permit and business license.

Key details: Applies to: Licensed bed and breakfast homes. Required: Smoke alarms on every floor. Enforced by: City/County Health & Fire Dept inspections. Citation: Pueblo Municipal Code § 17-4-10(b)(5)a.

Failing inspection on smoke alarms or the other listed safety items jeopardizes the special use permit and business license; performance-standard violations are a municipal offense under Section 17-7-3.

Fireworks

Pueblo bans possessing, selling or using fireworks citywide; only a narrow class of novelty items the code excludes from the fireworks definition may be sold, and only with a City permit near July 4.

Key details: Ban covers: possession, sale and use. Exempt items: sparklers, toy caps, novelty smoke devices. Permit window: 7 days before July 4. Use hours: 7 a.m. to midnight, July 4.

Possessing, selling or using fireworks is a municipal offense enforced by the Fire Department; selling excluded novelty items without the required permit can also void the seller's license bond.

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

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Pueblo's open-burning ban does not apply to recreational fires or to portable outdoor fireplaces used the way the International Fire Code requires, so a backyard fire pit is allowed without a burn permit.

Key details: Exempted: recreational fires, portable IFC fireplaces. Standard required: International Fire Code compliance. Can be suspended: during a burn ban. Governing section: Sec. 3-2-50(e).

A fire that goes beyond the recreational-fire or portable-fireplace exemption is treated as unlawful open burning under Section 3-2-50 and is void during any active burn ban issued under Section 3-2-50.5.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Pueblo gives residents more flexibility on fire pits & backyard fires.

Outdoor Burning

Pueblo bans burning rubbish, trash, wood or other combustible material on any property or adjacent street or alley, and the Fire Chief can impose a citywide burn ban whenever conditions turn hazardous.

Key details: Prohibited: rubbish, trash, wood burning. Permit needed for: emergency/public-safety open burning. Extra authority: Fire Chief-issued burn bans. Governing section: Sec. 3-2-50(a), (d).

Violating the burning ban or an active burn restriction is enforced by the Fire Department and Police Department, and knowingly defying an issued burn ban is a separate offense under Section 3-2-50.5.

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

The Bottom Line

Pueblo is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Pueblo, 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 Pueblo 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.