Lakewood, CO Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Lakewood, CO, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Setback (Stage I)
- 30 feet from undeveloped area
- Recreational fire max size
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height
- Stage II ban
- No recreational fires at all
- Declared by
- City Manager or designee
Summary
When Lakewood, Colorado's City Manager declares a Stage I fire restriction, portable outdoor fireplaces and contained recreational fires stay legal only if kept at least 30 feet from an undeveloped area, per Municipal Code § 9.39.050.
G.Portable outdoor fireplaces when not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area (2009 IFC 307.4.3) These devices must be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions with all covers, screens, and grates in place.H.Recreational fires contained in a designated ring or grill in a park or recreation area when not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area (2009 IFC 307.4.2).I.Permitted fires by persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act such as professional fireworks displays. Contact must be made with the permitting authority to verify the status of permits issued prior to the establishment of burn restrictions.J.Burning of explosive wastes by manufacturer of explosives in areas zoned for industrial use, when the burning is supervised by the fire protection district.K.Fire Protection District training fires.L.Open burning by any federal, state, or local officer in the performance of official fire suppression functions. Stage II Fire Ban.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
Lakewood Municipal Code § 9.39.010 lets the City Manager declare fire restrictions or a ban based on wildfire danger. Under a Stage I restriction (§ 9.39.050), portable outdoor fireplaces and recreational fires contained in a designated ring or grill remain allowed, but only if kept at least 30 feet from an undeveloped area, following manufacturer instructions with covers, screens, and grates in place; charcoal grills carry the same 30-foot rule. A Stage II fire ban prohibits all recreational fires outright. Section 9.39.060 defines a 'portable outdoor fireplace' as a commercially purchased solid-fuel unit and a 'recreational fire' as fuel three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. Open burning always requires a fire-district permit under § 9.39.030(D), independent of any declared restriction.
Violations & Fines
Operating a fire pit or recreational fire in violation of a declared Stage I setback or a Stage II ban is a municipal offense subject to the general penalty: up to $2,650 fine and/or up to 365 days imprisonment (Lakewood Municipal Code § 1.16.020(A)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a portable fire pit in Lakewood during a fire restriction?
Are recreational fires ever completely banned in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
How Lakewood compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Jefferson County handle fire pits & backyard fires.