No, open burning in Colorado is largely prohibited under state and local air quality laws, with exceptions narrowly defined for agricultural, land clearing, and emergency burns. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) enforces these rules, while municipal and county ordinances often impose additional restrictions. Violations may trigger penalties under the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission’s 2024-2026 enforcement priorities.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Colorado
- Permits Required: All open burning—except for recreational fires in approved containers—requires a permit from the CDPHE or a local air pollution control district (e.g., Denver Metro/North Front Range, Pikes Peak, or Western Slope districts). Permits are denied in nonattainment areas for ozone or PM2.5.
- Seasonal and Zonal Restrictions: Burning is typically banned during ozone season (May–September) in the Denver Metro/North Front Range region. Year-round restrictions apply in Class I areas (e.g., Rocky Mountain National Park) and during high-wind or inversion events.
- Prohibited Materials: Burning household trash, construction debris, tires, plastics, or chemically treated wood is illegal. Only clean, untreated wood or vegetative matter from land clearing may be burned, and only if no alternative disposal method exists.