Burn Permits

Open Burns

From bonfires to agricultural open burns, citizens must have approvals from both health and fire officials. Open burn permits are issued from March 1st through October 31st.

Definitions


Open Burning
The burning of a bonfire, rubbish fire or other fire in an outdoor location where fuel burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit. Open burning of rubbish containing paper products is prohibited.

A Recreational Fire
The burning of materials other than rubbish where fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill, or barbeque pit and with a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or similar purposes.

Agricultural Open Burning
The open burning of cover vegetation for the purpose of preparing the soil for crop production, weed control, maintenance of water conveyance structures related to agricultural operations, and other agricultural cultivation purposes.

A Bonfire
The open burning of cut trees, vegetation or clean lumber.

Burns That Require a Permit

  • Bonfire
  • Fires larger than 3 feet in diameter and/or 2 feet in height

Burns That Don't Require a Permit

  • Outdoor fireplaces
  • Barbeque grills
  • Barbeque pits
  • Fires less than 3 feet in diameter and/or 2 feet in height for religious, ceremonial, cooking or similar uses

Describes what type of burning is allowed and illegal.

Application Process:

  1. Contact North Metro’s Fire Prevention Division at 720.887.8217 to initiate the permit application.
  2. Complete the Broomfield Public Health Open Burning Application.
  3. If the permit is approved by Broomfield Public Health and Environment (BPHE), you will receive a permit via email.
  4. Submit your BPHE burn permit to North Metro Fire.
  5. If the permit is approved by North Metro Fire, you will receive a second permit from North Metro Fire. You must have a permit from both Public Health and North Metro Fire in order to burn.

After the Burn Permit is Issued

All open burning shall be conducted in accordance with the adopted fire code as enforced by North Metro Fire, with emissions standards as administered by the applicable county health department or the State of Colorado (where there is no county health department), and with regard to public safety as determined by the county sheriff.

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