Longmont, CO Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Longmont, CO, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Governs
- Solid fuel heating devices only
- Trigger
- State-declared high pollution day
- Grace period
- 3-hour burndown window
- Coal
- Banned outright, no exception
- Exemption
- Sole heat source or pre-1989 install
Summary
Longmont bans operating solid fuel-fired heating devices, wood stoves, fireplaces, pellet stoves, on days the state health department declares a high pollution day, unless the owner holds a city exemption.
It is unlawful for any person to operate a solid fuel-fired heating device during a high pollution day unless that person has an exemption granted pursuant to section 16.44.030. It shall be the duty of all persons owning or operating a solid fuel-fired device to be aware of any declaration of a high pollution day by the state department of health.B.At the time of the declaration of a high pollution day, the city shall allow three hours for the burndown of existing fire in solid fuel-burning devices prior to the initiation of enforcement. (Code 1993, § 16.44.020; Code 2009, § 16.44.020; Ord. No. O-89-1, § 1)
Full Breakdown
Under LMC § 16.44.020, it is unlawful to operate a solid fuel-fired heating device during a high pollution day declared by the state department of public health and environment, unless the operator holds an exemption granted under § 16.44.030. Owners are responsible for knowing when a high pollution day is declared. At declaration, the city allows a three-hour burndown window for existing fires before enforcement starts. Coal burning is separately banned outright under § 16.44.050. The code has no separate provision on open-air burning of yard debris or brush.
Violations & Fines
Operating a banned device during a high-pollution day is punishable under LMC ch. 1.12 as a separate offense per day and is also enjoinable as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Longmont ban all outdoor burning?
Can I still use my wood stove on a high pollution day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longmont
How Longmont compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Longmont to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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Outdoor Burning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Boulder County handle outdoor burning.