Fire Restrictions:
Fire restrictions are currently not in effect for the unincorporated areas of El Paso County.
Open Burning Rules
Burning with no fire restrictions in place:
Open burning during these times may only take place with an open burning permit issued through the Colorado Department of Health and Environment in Denver. Violations of the provision may result in a civil fine.
Burning during Stage I Fire Restrictions:
The following activities are prohibited during Stage I Restrictions:
- Open burning defined as campfires and warming fires (except in permanently constructed fire grates in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds), charcoal grills and outdoor wood burning stoves (except at private residences in areas cleared of all flammable materials), the use of explosives, outdoor welding or use of acetylene or other torch with open flame other than in an area cleared of all flammable materials. Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves are permitted.
- The use of sale of fireworks of all kinds.
- Outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Violations of Stage I Restrictions may result in a fine of up to $600.00.
Burning during Stage II Fire Restrictions:
The following activities are prohibited during Stage II Restrictions:
Open burning defined as campfires and warming fires, charcoal grills and outdoor wood burning stoves, the use of explosives, outdoor welding or use of acetylene or other torch with open flame other than in an area cleared of all flammable materials. Fires contained within liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves are permitted.
The use of sale of fireworks of all kinds.
Outdoor smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
Violations of Stage II Restrictions may result in a fine of up to $1000.00.
If you have any questions, you may contact the El Paso County Fire Marshal’s Office at (719) 575-8400.
If you would like to download a copy of these restrictions please click here.
Ordinance No. 02-2 
An ordinance restricting open fires and open burning in the unincorporated areas of El Paso County.
Interested in obtaining a burn permit?
Individuals interested in obtaining a burn permit should first contact their local fire department or fire protection district. Local restrictions and regulations on open burning vary between jurisdictions.
Although permits are still required for open burning under the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS), the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment is no longer issuing burn permits due to budget cuts. All burn permits must now be obtained through the Colorado Department of Health and Environment in Denver.
If you wish to obtain a burn permit, have questions regarding state regulations or the permitting process, information can be obtained on the Colorado Department of Health and Environment website or by clicking here.
The Colorado Department of Health and Environment can be contacted at (303) 692-3268.
To find out more about the Emergency Services Division, click on any of the links located below.