Fire pit rules in Boulder County, CO — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Backyard fire pits, campfires and charcoal grills are treated as "Open Fires" under Ordinance 2023-1. They are allowed when no fire ban is in effect, but during High Danger Conditions or a declared Stage 1/Stage 2 ban, all ignition sources are prohibited in unincorporated areas.
The ordinance defines "Open Fire" broadly to include "campfires, warming fires, charcoal grill fires, wood pellet grills, fires in wood-burning stoves or grates." When the Board or Sheriff declares a ban, or during High Danger Conditions, "no Person shall engage in any activity that produces or maintains... spark, flame, or other ignition source for an Open Fire." Stage 1 restrictions typically still allow permanent, constructed fire pits and gas grills; Stage 2 prohibits nearly all outdoor open flame. Always confirm the current restriction stage with the Sheriff before lighting a fire pit.
Violating an open fire ban is a civil infraction: $500 first offense, $750 second, $1,000 each subsequent, plus liability to reimburse fire-response costs.
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