Boulder County has no smoker-specific ordinance, but wood and charcoal smokers produce an open flame and are treated as "Open Fires" under Ordinance 2023-1. They are allowed when no fire ban is active and prohibited during High Danger Conditions or Stage 2 restrictions.
The county sets no dedicated rule for backyard smokers. Because a wood or charcoal smoker maintains combustion, it falls within the ordinance's Open Fire definition, which covers "charcoal grill fires, wood pellet grills, fires in wood-burning stoves or grates." During any declared open fire ban or High Danger Conditions, using a wood/charcoal smoker outdoors is prohibited. Under lower restriction stages, smokers are permitted; users should keep them clear of combustible vegetation and structures, especially in Wildfire Zones 1 and 2. Nuisance smoke complaints are otherwise handled at the city or neighborhood level.
Operating a wood/charcoal smoker during a fire ban is a civil infraction under Section II: $500 first offense, up to $1,000, plus fire-response reimbursement.
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