Fire Regulations in Loveland, CO (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Loveland, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Loveland Recreational Fire and Fire Pit Rules (LFRA)
Some RestrictionsFireworks
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.
Loveland Fireworks: No-Tolerance Policy on Aerial and Explosive Devices
Heavy RestrictionsBrush 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.
Loveland Brush Clearance and Defensible Space (Front Range WUI)
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor 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).
Loveland Open Burning: Larimer County Permit Required
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire 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.
Loveland Wildfire Zones: 2022 CO-WRA WUI Mapping (Big Thompson / Foothills)
Heavy RestrictionsSmoke 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.
Loveland Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard 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.
Loveland Backyard Fires: Manufactured Pit/Chiminea Required, No Trash Burning
Some RestrictionsPropane 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.
Loveland Propane (LP-Gas) Storage and Cylinder Requalification
Some RestrictionsLooking for Larimer County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Loveland city rules.
Fire Regulations in Larimer County →