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Larimer County, CO Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Fire pit rules in Larimer County, CO, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Recreational pits
Exempt from open-burn permit
Fuel
Clean, dry wood or charcoal
Fire bans
Wood/charcoal pits prohibited
Gas appliances
Usually allowed during bans
Ordinance
Larimer Open Burning, Sec. 5

Summary

Recreational fire pits, fireplaces and chimineas using clean, dry wood or charcoal are exempt from the county open-burn permit, but only when no fire ban is active. During the county's frequent fire restrictions, wood and charcoal fire pits are prohibited.

City-specific rules exist: Fort Collins has its own fire pits & backyard fires rules that differ from Larimer County's county-level regulations. If you live in Fort Collins, check the city-specific page instead.

Emissions from fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas or other wood burning containers that have been approved and used for non-commercial, recreational or aesthetic purposes using clean, dry, untreated wood or charcoal.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The Larimer County Open Burning Ordinance exempts small recreational fires in approved containers from the open-burn permit requirement. Fires must use clean, dry, untreated wood or charcoal only, with no trash, treated wood or yard waste. When the Board of County Commissioners enacts fire restrictions (routine each summer under C.R.S. 24-33.5-1426), contained and uncontained wood and charcoal fires, including fire pits, are banned; only permanently installed gas or propane appliances with an on/off valve are typically still allowed. Check the current restriction status and your fire protection district's rules before lighting a fire pit.

Violations & Fines

Violating an active fire ban is punishable by fine; open burning without a required permit is a class 2 petty offense with graduated fines of $100, $250 and $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
No. Recreational fires in an approved fire pit, fireplace or chiminea using clean, dry wood or charcoal are exempt from the open-burn permit, as long as no fire restriction is in effect.
Can I use my fire pit during a fire ban?
No. During Larimer County fire restrictions, wood and charcoal fires, including fire pits, are prohibited. Only permanent gas or propane appliances with a shut-off valve are typically allowed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Larimer County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Larimer County rules

How Larimer County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview

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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Cities Across Larimer County

Fort Collins, COLoveland, CO