Loveland, CO Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

LFRA treats a 'backyard fire' as a recreational fire and applies the same rules across manufactured portable fire pits, outside fireplaces, permanent fire pits, and chimineas. Per LFRA: outdoor recreational burning is allowed only at one- and two-family homes; the appliance must include a screen or spark arrestor design feature; the appliance may not exceed 3 feet in diameter; the fire height may not exceed 2 feet; the fire's location must be no closer than 15 feet to combustible objects including structures and fences; the ground within 5 feet of the base of the fire must be cleared of combustible materials such as grass or weeds; only clean, dry wood may be burned; the burning of rubbish, trash, construction materials, yard debris, leaves, or recyclable materials is strictly prohibited; a responsible, non-impaired adult must be present and monitor the fire until it is out cold and provide a rapid means of extinguishment (garden hose, fire extinguisher, or shovel and dirt). Temporary fire pits such as holes dug in dirt are not permitted. The rules are administered by LFRA Community Safety Division under the 2012 International Fire Code adopted at LMC Chapter 15.28. Recreational fires are not allowed during Larimer County or LFRA-imposed burn restrictions or National Weather Service Red Flag warnings. Multi-family balcony fires and grilling are subject to separate IFC restrictions (see propane-storage).