Backyard fires in Longmont are limited to recreational fires (max 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height of natural untreated wood, 25 ft from structures, attended) or portable outdoor fireplaces operated per manufacturer instructions. Burning yard waste, leaves, trash, or household debris is prohibited. No burning of any kind is allowed on Red Flag warning days. Bonfires (up to 8 ft diameter, 4 ft height) require a permit and pre-ignition inspection by Longmont Fire Codes and Planning.
Longmont Fire Services treats a 'backyard fire' as either a recreational fire or a portable outdoor fireplace. A recreational fire is limited to a fuel area three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height, burning only natural untreated wood, and must be kept at least 25 feet from any structure or other combustibles. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, manufactured pits) must be used per manufacturer instructions; in multi-family dwellings they must be at least 15 feet from structures or combustibles. The Codes and Planning Section enforces these rules under the 2021 International Fire Code (LMC Chapter 16.32, Ord. O-2021-66). Burning yard vegetation, leaves, debris, plastics, garbage, construction waste, wire insulation, rubber, petroleum-based products, animal waste, or food service or industrial waste is prohibited. No burning of any kind is allowed on Red Flag warning days. Recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces do not require a permit. Bonfires (up to 8 ft diameter, 4 ft height, 50 ft from structures or combustibles) require a permit and must be inspected by Fire Codes and Planning prior to ignition.
Longmont Fire Services Codes and Planning enforces backyard fire rules under the 2021 IFC. Officers may order an oversized or unlawful fire extinguished. Burning prohibited materials, exceeding size limits, or burning on a Red Flag day may be prosecuted as a municipal offense. Contact Fire Codes and Planning at 303-774-4471 for complaints.
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