Fire Regulations in Longmont, CO (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Longmont, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Longmont allows recreational fires with a fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height, burning only natural untreated wood, kept 25 feet from any structure or combustibles, and attended until fully extinguished. The rules are administered by Longmont Fire Services under the 2021 International Fire Code adopted by Ordinance O-2021-66 (LMC Chapter 16.32). Burning is prohibited on Red Flag days.
Longmont Recreational Fire and Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
Longmont follows Colorado state fireworks law (C.R.S. 24-33.5-2001, formerly Article 28 of Title 12). Any firework that leaves the ground or explodes is illegal. Only state-permissible devices (sparklers, fountains, ground spinners, snakes, smoke devices) may be used on private property. Fireworks of any kind are prohibited on Longmont city streets, parks, golf courses, and other public property. Fines run up to $500 and/or 90 days in jail.
Longmont Fireworks: Aerial and Explosive Fireworks Banned, State Permissible Devices Only on Private Property
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Longmont Municipal Code Chapter 9.32 (Weed Control) requires property owners to keep weeds and grasses cut to no more than 12 inches in height. Tall dry vegetation is the most commonly cited violation in Longmont. Longmont sits on the eastern plains and is not mapped as a state-defined Wildland-Urban Interface zone, so the city does not impose a foothills-style defensible-space requirement, but Chapter 9.32 functions as the operative grass and brush clearance rule.
Longmont Weed Control: 12-Inch Grass and Vegetation Limit
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning is prohibited within Longmont city limits unless specifically allowed by the burning regulations or permitted by the Longmont Fire Department. No burning of leaves, trash, yard debris, or household waste is allowed as a means of disposal. No burning of any kind is allowed on Red Flag warning days. The rule is enforced by Longmont Fire Services under the 2021 International Fire Code (LMC Chapter 16.32, Ord. O-2021-66).
Longmont Open Burning Ban: No Trash, Leaves, or Debris Burning
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Longmont sits on the Front Range plains at roughly 5,000 feet of elevation. Per the Colorado State Forest Service and 2022 CO-WRA (Colorado Wildfire Risk Assessment) mapping, the developed core of Longmont is not within a state-defined Wildland-Urban Interface zone, unlike the foothills west of town in Boulder County. Longmont has not adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC). The city participates in upstream watershed wildfire protection through the St. Vrain Creek Watershed forest health work and supports the Spillway Knoll Project around Longmont Reservoir.
Longmont Wildfire Risk: Plains City, Not in State WUI Zone
Some RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Longmont enforces smoke alarm placement under the adopted 2021 International Fire Code (LMC Chapter 16.32) and follows Colorado state law (C.R.S. 38-45-101 et seq.) for carbon monoxide alarms. Smoke alarms are required in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level including the basement. A carbon monoxide alarm must be installed within 15 feet of the entrance to each room used for sleeping in any dwelling with a fuel-fired appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.
Longmont Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard Fires
Backyard fires in Longmont are limited to recreational fires (max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height of natural untreated wood, 25 ft from structures, attended) or portable outdoor fireplaces operated per manufacturer instructions. Burning yard waste, leaves, trash, or household debris is prohibited. No burning of any kind is allowed on Red Flag warning days. Bonfires (up to 8 ft diameter, 4 ft height) require a permit and pre-ignition inspection by Longmont Fire Codes and Planning.
Longmont Backyard Fires: Recreational Only, No Trash or Yard Waste
Some RestrictionsPropane Storage
Longmont follows the 2021 International Fire Code (LMC Chapter 16.32, Ord. O-2021-66) Chapter 61 for liquefied petroleum gas storage and use. Longmont Fire Services specifies that propane devices are not allowed on balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, with exceptions for one- and two-family dwellings, fully sprinklered properties, and small LP-gas containers of 2.5 pounds or less. Natural gas appliances may be permanently installed per the Mechanical Code and manufacturer specifications.
Longmont Propane (LP-Gas) Storage and Use Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLooking for Boulder County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Longmont city rules.
Fire Regulations in Boulder County →