Burn Regulations

Portable outdoor fireplaces of commercial grade do not require burn permits. Follow all manufacturers' suggestions, instructions, and safety precautions to ensure that the fireplace unit operates as intended. Use natural, untreated wood for burning. It is the recommendation of MFD that the fireplace has a metal grate over it to prevent embers from flying and shall be utilized in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The device shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure and/or combustible material. 

 

Campfires need to be at least 25 feet away from structures and/or combustible material. 

All cooking fire pits are acceptable, providing that the pit is no greater than three feet in diameter and must have a screen over the fire with water on site.  In addition, the fire must be constantly monitored until it is out.

 

Bonfires need to be pre-approved by the Fire Marshal and must be at least 50 feet away from any structure or combustible mater.

 

No burning of trash, garbage, tree stumps, treated wood, pallet wood, lumber construction, material, demolition debris, chemical, plastic, tires, wire insulation, rubber, petroleum-based products, animal waste, food service or industrial waste,  trash, or any substance which, if ignited, may release toxic materials.  

 

Extinguishment.  All need constant attendance until the fire is extinguished. A fire extinguisher, rated 4-A, water barrel, garden hose, dirt, sand water truck, etc., needs to be ready for immediate use.

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Open Burns. MFD follows EL Paso County Sheriff guidelines on burn restrictions.  No open burning is allowed when the EL Paso County Fire Warden has declared a ban on open fires.

 

NO BURNING OF SLASH PILES OR DRY NATURAL VEGETATIVE MATERIALS PERMITTED

WITHOUT A OPEN BURN PERMIT!

 

El Paso County has strict guidelines. See the link below. Open Burns of Slash piles are allowed only when there are predicted or actual winds of 10 mph or less. All Open Burns of Slash piles conducted above 7000 feet in elevation are required to have three or more inches of snow on the ground around the slash.
 

https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/service/air-quality/open-burn-application

Controlled burns shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material. Not to exceed 8X8X8 in size.

The Fire Marshal must be notified prior to ignition and after extinguishing the open burn. Notification of an open burn may not be approved via voice mail. Ignition may not start until Verbal approval from MFD.

 

El Paso County Public Health
1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd., Ste. 2044
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(719) 578-3188

www.elpasocountyhealth.org​