Parker, CO Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Parker, CO, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Fuel area limit
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height
- Supervision required
- responsible adult 18 or older
- Enforcing agency
- Parker Police Department
- Fine
- up to $499 per offense
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 6.06, Open Fire and Open Burning Ordinance
Summary
The Town of Parker limits residential fire pits to a fuel area three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height, supervised by someone at least 18. The rule sits inside the Town's Stage 1 fire ban exceptions under the Open Fire and Open Burning Restriction Ordinance, enforced by the Parker Police Department with fines up to $499 per offense.
(7)Small recreational fires. At developed picnic sites contained in a fixed permanent metal/steel fire pit (rock fire rings are considered temporary and not permanent) with flame lengths not in excess of four (4) feet, or the residential use of charcoal grills, tiki torches, fires in chimineas or other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits, so long as said fires are supervised by a responsible party at least eighteen (18) years of age. These recreational fires shall burn materials other than rubbish and shall have a total fuel area of three (3) feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and two (2) feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes, and shall in no event be construed to include fireworks as defined in Section 6.06.050 above. ... Any person convicted of violating any provision of this Chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than four hundred ninety-nine dollars ($499.00) for each separate offense and may be enjoined from any further or continued violation.
Full Breakdown
Parker regulates outdoor fires under Chapter 6.06 of the Parker Municipal Code, the Open Fire and Open Burning Restriction Ordinance. The Town's Emergency Manager can declare a Stage 1 Fire Ban covering all public, private, state and federal land inside Parker, and can elevate to a stricter Stage 2 ban when conditions are most extreme, following the process tied to Douglas County Ordinance No. O-012-004. Section 6.06.070(7) carves out small recreational fires from the Stage 1 ban: charcoal grills, tiki torches, chimineas, portable fireplaces and patio fire pits used at a home, plus fires in a fixed permanent metal or steel fire pit at a developed picnic site (rock fire rings do not count as permanent).
The fuel area is capped at three feet in diameter and two feet in height, flames in a picnic-site fire pit cannot exceed four feet, and a responsible adult at least 18 years old must supervise the fire at all times. Only clean fuel is allowed; burning rubbish is not permitted. Section 6.06.080 strips this exception away under a Stage 2 ban, leaving only gas or liquid appliances, indoor fireplaces and supervised charcoal grills. The Police Department administers and enforces Chapter 6.06 and fields questions about the current restriction stage.
Violators face a fine of up to $499 per separate offense under Section 6.06.100, with each day of a continuing violation counted separately, and the Town can also seek an injunction, abatement or restitution, plus seizure of fireworks held or sold in violation of the ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Building or tending an open fire outside these limits, oversized fire pits, unsupervised fires or burning rubbish during a Stage 1 or Stage 2 ban is a municipal violation carrying a fine of up to $499 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense. Parker Police officers issue citations and can order a fire extinguished immediately; the Town may also pursue injunctive relief or abatement costs against a repeat violator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a portable fire pit in my backyard in Parker?
What happens to fire pit rules during extreme fire danger?
How big can a fire pit be at a Parker park picnic site?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Parker
How Parker compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Parker to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Douglas County handle fire pits & backyard fires.