Outdoor Burning: Colorado Springs vs Manitou Springs
How do outdoor burning rules compare between Colorado Springs, CO and Manitou Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs have similar restriction levels.
Colorado Springs, CO
El Paso County
Open burning is never allowed by non-governmental entities within the Colorado Springs city limits. Burning trash, rubbish, yard clippings, or construction materials is prohibited at all times. Recreational fires and bonfires are the only permitted outdoor fires, subject to clearance rules and permits.
View full Colorado Springs rules →Manitou Springs, CO
El Paso County
Manitou Springs has a tiered fire restriction system (Ordinance No. 1022, §6.34.050) with Stage 1 and Stage 2 (full ban) levels. Open burning of waste is always prohibited; recreational fires are allowed during Stage 0 but banned under active restrictions.
View full Manitou Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Colorado Springs | Manitou Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | City Code 8.4.105 (2021 IFC Sections 105.5, 307) | Ord. No. 1022, §6.34.050 |
| Never allowed | Burning trash, rubbish, yard clippings, construction debris | - |
| Permit body | CSFD Division of the Fire Marshal (719-385-5978) | - |
| Burn bans | Fire code official may suspend all outdoor fires | - |
| Open Waste Burning | - | Always prohibited |
| Stage 1 | - | Fire pits allowed with screen cover and 15-foot clearance |
| Stage 2 / Red Flag | - | ALL outdoor fires prohibited including fire pits |
| Red Flag Triggers Stage 2 | - | Automatically, for duration of warning |
| Current Status | - | manitouspringsco.gov/733 or MSVFD.com |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Colorado Springs FAQ
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in Colorado Springs?
No. Burning trash, rubbish, yard clippings, or construction materials is never allowed in the city limits of Colorado Springs. Open burning is prohibited for non-governmental entities.
Is any outdoor burning allowed in the city?
Only recreational fires (wood-fueled, attended, 25-foot clearance) and permitted bonfires are allowed. Open burning of waste is never permitted, and the fire code official can ban even recreational fires during a burn restriction.
Who enforces outdoor burning rules?
The Colorado Springs Fire Department Division of the Fire Marshal enforces the Fire Code and can be reached at 719-385-5978. Agricultural or vegetation open burning also requires a permit from El Paso County Public Health.
Manitou Springs FAQ
Can I burn yard waste in my backyard in Manitou Springs?
Manitou Springs has a tiered fire restriction system (Ordinance No. 1022, §6.34.050) with Stage 1 and Stage 2 (full ban) levels. Open burning of waste is always prohibited; recreational fires are allowed during Stage 0 but banned under active restrictions.
Do I need a permit for outdoor burning in Manitou Springs?
Open Waste Burning: Always prohibited. Stage 1: Fire pits allowed with screen cover and 15-foot clearance. Stage 2 / Red Flag: ALL outdoor fires prohibited including fire pits. Red Flag Triggers Stage 2: Automatically, for duration of warning.
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