Outdoor Burning: Boulder vs Longmont
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Boulder has fewer restrictions than Longmont.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Outdoor burning regulated locally and by county. Boulder may prohibit most outdoor burning. County burn bans common during fire season.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
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).
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| Trash Burning | Generally prohibited | - |
| Air Quality | CDPHE oversight | - |
| Burn Bans | County authority | - |
| Fire Season | June to October typical | - |
| Open Burning | - | Prohibited inside city limits |
| Red Flag Days | - | No burning of any kind |
| Allowed | - | Recreational fire (3 ft x 2 ft), permitted bonfire |
| Permit Required | - | For bonfires, not recreational fires |
| Code Cite | - | 2021 IFC via LMC Ch. 16.32 (Ord. O-2021-66) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
Can I burn yard waste?
Most cities prohibit it. Use green waste collection. Check Boulder and county rules.
What about recreational fires?
Recreational fires in approved containers are a separate category. See fire pit rules.
Longmont FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Longmont?
No. Open burning of leaves, yard vegetation, trash, or household waste is prohibited inside Longmont city limits. Longmont Fire Services explicitly bars burning yard vegetation, leaves, or debris as a means of disposal.
Do I need a permit for a campfire in Longmont?
Recreational fires (max 3 ft diameter by 2 ft height of natural untreated wood) and portable outdoor fireplaces do not require a permit. Bonfires (up to 8 ft x 4 ft) do require a permit from Longmont Fire Codes and Planning and must be inspected prior to ignition.
What is a Red Flag day in Longmont?
A Red Flag day is a National Weather Service warning issued for high fire-weather conditions (high winds, low humidity, dry fuels). Longmont Fire Services prohibits all open burning, including recreational fires, while a Red Flag warning is in effect.
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