Douglas County, CO Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Douglas County, 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
- Permit source
- Local fire protection district
- Larkspur permit fee
- $10 after inspection
- During fire restrictions
- No open burning of any kind
- Never allowed
- Trash, tires, treated wood
- Smoke rules
- CDPHE air-quality permits apply
Summary
Open burning of wood, vegetation or slash requires a permit from your local fire protection district, and all open burning is prohibited when County fire restrictions are in effect. Burning trash, garbage or construction debris is never allowed.
All outdoor burning of wood or vegetation requires a permit issued by the LFPD. This applies to fire pits, campfires or agricultural burning.
Full Breakdown
Open outdoor burning in unincorporated Douglas County is regulated by the local fire protection district, not the County directly. The Larkspur Fire Protection District states "all outdoor burning of wood or vegetation requires a permit issued by the LFPD," including agricultural burns, campfires and fire pits, after a burn-site inspection and a $10 fee. Colorado air-quality rules (CDPHE) also govern smoke. A district burn permit never overrides County fire restrictions: during Stage 1 and Stage 2 there is "no open burning of any kind." Burning household trash, garbage, tires or treated wood is prohibited statewide.
Violations & Fines
Illegal open burning during restrictions is a Class 2 Petty Offense (up to $1,000 fine plus $10 surcharge); districts may also cite for permit-less burns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves or slash in my yard?
Does a burn permit override a County fire ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
How Douglas County compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado fire regulations overview
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