Broomfield, CO Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Section 8-18-020 sets four flat rules for open burning in the City and County of Broomfield. Open burning that violates an enacted Level 1 Fire Restriction is prohibited, as is any burning during an enacted Level 2 Fire Ban, which under 8-18-010(B)(2) allows no open burning at all, plus bars any outdoor appliance burning solid or liquid fuel that cannot be switched off immediately, launching sky lanterns or model rockets, and smoking near combustible material. Burning that requires a burn permit, defined in 8-18-010(A) to cover yard waste and landscape trimmings, agricultural clearing of irrigation ditches, and bonfires, is unlawful without that permit from the fire chief, the North Metro Fire Rescue District, or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as administered locally by Broomfield Public Health and Environment.

Open burning of trash or rubbish, defined broadly in 8-18-010(H) to include household garbage, tires, chemicals, and plastics, is banned outright regardless of permit or fire restriction level. Even during a Level 1 restriction, outdoor cooking on charcoal, pellet, propane, natural gas, or electric grills at one- and two-family dwellings remains allowed, along with fires contained in a liquid fuel or gas stove and portable or fixed outdoor fireplaces. Section 8-18-030 makes any violation of the chapter punishable under Chapter 1-12, the general penalty of a fine up to $2,650.00, up to 364 days in jail, or both.