Understanding Open Burning Rules

Discover the key regulations that impact our community’s safety and environment.

Understanding Open Burning Regulations

Open burning can have serious implications for safety and the environment. It is essential to know the local regulations that govern this practice. Our guidelines outline the legal requirements and necessary safety measures to ensure compliance. We’re committed to educating the community on responsible burning techniques that protect both people and nature.

Open Burn Information Brochure

Common Questions

Understanding Open Burning Regulations and Safety
What type of burning DOES NOT require a permit?
  • Barbeque pits – a manufactured piece of equipment or permanent structure used for the preparation of food, using only wood, charcoal, or fuel gas.
  • Fires contained within outdoor fireplaces or portable outdoor fireplaces being used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and not using a prohibited fuel. For list of prohibited fuels see below.
  • Agricultural burning permitted by and subject to the restrictions of Colorado Revised Statutes.
  • Open burning: fire not contained in an allowable device
  • Recreational fires: fire not contained in an allowable device, 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height (similar to a campfire).
    Bonfires: fire not contained in a chamber, greater than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height
  • Fires for recognized silvicutural or range management
  • Permits will only be issued to the owner of the land where the fire will be.

These items are prohibited in all fires and Open Burning Permits WILL NOT be issued:

  • Plastics, tires, plastic tarps, electric wiring, plumbing materials, plastic irrigation pipe and ducts.
  • Vehicles, trailers, mobile homes, campers, tents, or parts from these items.
  • Houses, barns, animal shelters, sheds, buildings, lean-to’s, garages.
  • Chemicals of any kind: paint, fuels, polyurethane, thinners, solvents.
  • Furniture, coated wood, manufactured wood (laminates, plywood, particle board).
  • Electric wiring, boxes, electronic equipment, or anything with a circuit board.
  • Green lumber, leaves, recently cut limbs and logs.
  • Any compostable plant material.
  • Manure, urine-soaked materials, animal droppings, corral bedding.
  • Deceased animals and animal parts, offal.
  • Commercially-derived materials (wastes from business entities).

Contact Fire Marshal Greg Becker at 970-339-3920 x205 or gbecker@evansfiredistrict.org

Open burning, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces should be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A fire extinguisher or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, should be available near any burning for immediate use.

Fire District representatives may order any fire to be extinguished based on current conditions. Any allowable burning (permit required or not) that becomes offensive or objectionable because of smoke emissions or when conditions or local circumstances make the fire hazardous, will be prohibited.

For more details, you can contact your local fire department or environmental agency. They can provide specific guidelines and answer any lingering questions.