Fire Regulations in Colorado Springs, CO (2026)
7 verified fire regulations for Colorado Springs, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Recreational fire pits are allowed in Colorado Springs under the 2021 International Fire Code with specific size, clearance, fuel, and attendance requirements. Open waste burning is banned — fire pits must meet code standards.
Colorado Springs Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
ALL fireworks are banned within Colorado Springs city limits, including 'Safe and Sane' consumer fireworks, sparklers, and ground spinners. Only novelty items (snappers, poppers) are allowed. Violations carry fines up to $2,500 and potential jail time.
Colorado Springs Fireworks Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Colorado Springs imposes strict defensible space requirements under the Wildfire Mitigation Program, mandating 30 to 100 feet of vegetation management around structures in designated Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones. Zone 1 (0 to 5 feet) must be non-combustible, Zone 2 (5 to 30 feet) must have thinned and limbed vegetation, and Zone 3 (30 to 100 feet or to property line) requires reduced fuel loads.
Fire: Brush Clearance
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning (burning waste, debris, yard material outdoors) is completely prohibited within Colorado Springs. Only recreational fires and bonfires meeting specific fire code requirements are allowed, and subject to burn restrictions.
Colorado Springs Outdoor Burning Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Large portions of western and northern Colorado Springs fall in Very High and Extreme wildfire hazard zones under the Colorado Springs Wildfire Hazard Identification Mapping. Mountain Shadows, Skyway, Broadmoor, Cedar Heights, Rockrimmon, and Black Forest adjacent areas are mapped WUI. Insurance carriers use these maps in underwriting and many carriers have non-renewed foothill policies since 2020.
Fire: Wildfire Zones
Heavy RestrictionsColo. HB 22-1007 (Wildfire Mitigation Resources Grant Program)
Bill Summary: The act establishes the wildfire mitigation resources and best practices grant program (grant program) within the Colorado state forest service (forest service). To be eligible to receive a grant, a recipient must be an agency of local government, a county, a municipality, a special district, a tribal agency or program, or a nonprofit organization. The forest service is tasked wit...
Smoke Detectors
Colorado Springs requires working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of all dwellings under the adopted International Fire Code and Colorado state law (CRS 38-45-103). Carbon monoxide alarms are also required within 15 feet of every sleeping area in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Hardwired interconnected units are required in new construction.
Fire: Smoke Detectors
Some RestrictionsBackyard Fires
Open burning is generally prohibited in Colorado Springs under City Code Chapter 3 Article 8 and the adopted Fire Code. Recreational fires in approved fire pits are allowed only when no active fire restrictions are in place, must be 25 feet from structures, no larger than 3 feet in diameter, burn only dry seasoned wood, and be attended at all times with a shovel and water source.
Fire: Backyard Fires
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for El Paso County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Colorado Springs city rules.
Fire Regulations in El Paso County →