Outdoor Burning: Austin vs Denver
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Austin, TX and Denver, CO?
Austin and Denver have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Open burning within Austin city limits is prohibited except for small recreational fires (3 feet diameter or less, 2 feet tall or less) for cooking or warmth. Burning in all city parks, greenbelts, and preserves is prohibited under Ordinance No. 20111102-025.
View full Austin rules →Denver, CO
Denver County
Denver bans open wood burning year-round without a permit. Propane and natural gas fire features are allowed. The metro area also bans all wood burning Nov 1–Mar 31.
View full Denver rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Open Burning | Prohibited (trash/debris) | - |
| Recreational Fire | ≤3 ft diameter, ≤2 ft tall | - |
| Parks/Greenbelts | No fires (Ord. 20111102-025) | - |
| Burn Bans | Travis County may impose | - |
| Enforcement | Austin Fire Department | - |
| Wood Burning | - | Banned year-round without DFD permit |
| Metro Winter Ban | - | Nov 1–Mar 31 (7-county area) |
| Propane/Gas Fires | - | Permitted |
| Fine | - | Up to $999 |
| Enforced By | - | Denver Fire Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Austin?
Open burning within Austin city limits is prohibited except for small recreational fires (3 feet diameter or less, 2 feet tall or less) for cooking or warmth. Burning in all city parks, greenbelts, and preserves is prohibited under Ordinance No. 20111102-025.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Austin?
Open Burning: Prohibited (trash/debris). Recreational Fire: ≤3 ft diameter, ≤2 ft tall. Parks/Greenbelts: No fires (Ord. 20111102-025). Burn Bans: Travis County may impose.
Denver FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Denver?
Denver bans open wood burning year-round without a permit. Propane and natural gas fire features are allowed. The metro area also bans all wood burning Nov 1–Mar 31.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Denver?
Wood Burning: Banned year-round without DFD permit. Metro Winter Ban: Nov 1–Mar 31 (7-county area). Propane/Gas Fires: Permitted. Fine: Up to $999.
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