Colorado Springs, CO Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Under the CSFD Outdoor Burning Guidelines, open burning is never allowed by non-governmental entities in the city limits of Colorado Springs, and the burning of trash, rubbish, yard clippings, or construction materials is never allowed. The City adopted the 2021 International Fire Code by Ordinance No. 23-14 (City Code 8.4.105); IFC Section 105.5 requires permits for the activities regulated by Sections 306, 307, 308, 315, 320, and 322, and the fire code official is authorized to issue a burn restriction or burn ban order when local conditions make recreational fires, open burning, or open-flame activities hazardous or objectionable. The only outdoor fires permitted are recreational fires (wood-fueled, 25-foot clearance, no permit) and bonfires (permit required, 50-foot clearance). Open burning for agricultural, silvicultural, or vegetation-management purposes additionally requires a permit from the El Paso County Public Health Department.