Douglas County, CO Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Douglas County, CO, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Normal conditions
- Allowed if supervised by 18+
- Stage 1 restrictions
- Patio fire pits still allowed
- Stage 2 restrictions
- Wood-burning fire pits banned
- Gas fire pits
- Allowed even in Stage 2
- Foothill districts
- Wood fires may need permit
Summary
When no fire restrictions are in effect, residential patio fire pits, chimineas and portable fireplaces are allowed if supervised by someone 18 or older. Stage 1 restrictions permit them; Stage 2 restrictions ban all wood-burning fire pits, chimineas and patio fires.
Residential use of charcoal grills, Tiki torches, fires in chimineas or other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits, as long as the fires are supervised by a responsible person at least 18 years old.
Full Breakdown
Douglas County has no year-round fire-pit ban, but its seasonal fire restrictions control use. Under Stage 1 restrictions the County allows "residential use of charcoal grills, Tiki torches, fires in chimineas or other portable fireplaces or patio fire pits, as long as the fires are supervised by a responsible person at least 18 years old." Under Stage 2, use of chimineas, portable fireplaces and patio fire pits is prohibited; only gas- or liquid-fueled appliances remain allowed. In the Larkspur Fire Protection District and other foothill districts, an open-burn/fire-pit permit is required for wood fires. Towns like Castle Rock and Parker impose their own fire-pit rules.
Violations & Fines
Using a prohibited fire pit during restrictions is a Class 2 Petty Offense, up to a $1,000 fine plus a $10 surcharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my gas fire pit during a fire ban?
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
How Douglas County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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