Small contained backyard fires are allowed in unincorporated Jeffco only when no fire restriction is in effect. Under Stage 1 restrictions, open burning, bonfires, and campfires (with limited exceptions) are prohibited; only liquid- and gas-fueled appliances remain permitted.
Because Jefferson County sits in high wildfire-risk foothills, backyard fires are governed by the Sheriff's fire-danger stage rather than a fixed year-round rule. When no restriction is active, residents may have small, attended, contained recreational fires and must fully extinguish them. Once the Sheriff issues Stage 1 fire restrictions, "open burning and bonfires are prohibited, along with campfires (with limited exceptions) and fireworks." A Stage 2 fire ban tightens this further. Throughout both stages, liquid- or gas-fueled appliances such as gas grills, gas fire pits, gas stoves, gas lanterns, and camp stoves are permitted. Incorporated cities and local fire protection districts may add their own recreational-fire rules.
Violating the Sheriff's fire restriction, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Jefferson County, CO
Jefferson County requires proper care for every animal and treats hoarding-type conditions (inadequate food, water, shelter, sanitation, or feces accumulatio...
Jefferson County, CO
In Jefferson County, as statewide, it is illegal to intentionally feed big-game wildlife. Colorado Parks and Wildlife prohibits placing feed, salt, or attrac...
Jefferson County, CO
Jefferson County has no ordinance banning backyard compost piles, and residential composting is allowed. There is no county-run curbside compost mandate for ...
Jefferson County, CO
Jefferson County has no general county ban on residential artificial turf; check your HOA and city. Colorado's HB22-1151 turf-replacement program funds swapp...
Jefferson County, CO
Colorado protects water-wise landscaping. Under CRS 38-33.3-106.5, an HOA may not prohibit xeriscape or drought-tolerant vegetative landscapes on property a ...
Jefferson County, CO
Colorado law lets residents of single-family homes and buildings of four or fewer units collect rooftop rainwater in up to two rain barrels totaling 110 gall...
See how Jefferson County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.