Fire pit rules in Longmont, CO — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Longmont allows recreational fires with a fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height, burning only natural untreated wood, kept 25 feet from any structure or combustibles, and attended until fully extinguished. The rules are administered by Longmont Fire Services under the 2021 International Fire Code adopted by Ordinance O-2021-66 (LMC Chapter 16.32). Burning is prohibited on Red Flag days.
Longmont Fire Services defines a recreational fire as an outdoor fire burning natural untreated wood for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, warmth, or similar purposes, with a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. Recreational fires must be kept at least 25 feet from any structure or other combustibles, conducted in an approved container or pit, and attended until fully extinguished. Portable outdoor fireplaces are allowed and must follow manufacturer instructions; in multi-family dwellings they must be set back 15 feet from structures or combustibles. Natural gas appliances are allowed if permanently installed per the Mechanical Code and manufacturer specifications. Only natural untreated wood may be burned; plastics, garbage, construction waste, wire insulation, rubber, petroleum-based products, animal waste, food service or industrial waste, and yard vegetation, leaves, or debris are all 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 do require a permit and must be inspected by Fire Codes and Planning prior to ignition. The City has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code via Ordinance O-2021-66, codified at LMC Chapter 16.32, which provides the enforcement framework.
Longmont Fire Services Codes and Planning enforces recreational fire rules under the 2021 International Fire Code (LMC Chapter 16.32). Officers may order an unlawful fire extinguished. Violations of adopted fire code provisions are municipal offenses subject to LMC general penalty provisions; contact Fire Codes and Planning at 303-774-4471 for complaints.
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