Larimer County, CO Outdoor Cooking: BBQ & Propane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Charcoal/wood
- Cooking fire under 3 ft wide
- Propane grills
- Usually allowed during bans
- Fire bans
- No charcoal/wood/pellet grills
- Fuel
- Clean, dry wood or charcoal
- Attend
- Keep clear of structures
Summary
Charcoal and wood grilling counts as a small cooking fire, allowed when contained and under 3 feet wide and 2 feet high, but banned during fire restrictions. Propane and gas grills with a shut-off valve are usually still permitted even during bans.
Cooking fires that are smaller than three feet in diameter and less than two feet high that are kindled for the purpose of cooking food using only clean, dry untreated wood or charcoal, which are contained by fireplaces, fire pits (free standing and/or above ground), barbecues or other systems approved by a Fire Marshall.
Full Breakdown
The Open Burning Ordinance exempts small cooking fires, under 3 feet in diameter and under 2 feet high, in fireplaces, fire pits or barbecues using clean, dry wood or charcoal. During the county's frequent summer fire restrictions, outdoor charcoal, pellet and wood grills and stoves are prohibited, while liquid-fuel or propane stoves and gas grills that can be turned off are typically exempt. Always keep a grill attended and away from structures and vegetation, and check your fire protection district's current restriction status before cooking with charcoal or wood.
Violations & Fines
Using a charcoal or wood grill during an active fire ban violates the county fire resolution and is punishable by fine under C.R.S. 30-15-402.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my gas grill during a fire ban?
Is a charcoal barbecue legal in the county?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Larimer County
Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado outdoor cooking overview
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