Colorado Fire Feature Rules Overview
Colorado homeowners in the Denver metro and Front Range corridor are subject to the RAQC Burn Wise program, which restricts wood burning on air quality action days from October through March. Mountain communities and eastern plains areas generally have no curtailment programs but may have additional fire restrictions due to wildfire risk.
RAQC Burn Wise (Denver Metro / Front Range)
The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) operates the Burn Wise program covering the Denver metropolitan area and Front Range. Action Level 1 days restrict burning in older, non-certified wood stoves. Action Level 2 days ban all wood burning including outdoor fire pits and fireplaces. Check raqc.org for current action levels and sign up for email/text alerts. Natural gas and propane fire features are not restricted on any action level day.
Wildfire Season Restrictions
Colorado's mountain communities and wildland-urban interface areas face wildfire restrictions that overlay air quality rules. During Red Flag Warning days (hot, dry, and windy conditions), county fire departments or the Colorado State Forest Service may restrict outdoor burning regardless of RAQC action levels. Check Colorado Interagency Fire Center (colorado.gov) for statewide fire weather and restriction information during fire season (April–September).
Colorado Fire Code
Colorado adopts the IFC at the state level. Local jurisdictions (cities, counties, fire protection districts) may adopt amendments. Mountain jurisdictions often have stricter fire feature rules due to wildfire risk — some prohibit wood-burning fire pits entirely in high fire hazard zones. Check with your local building department and fire protection district.