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Spring, Summer, and Fall Burning

Burn permits are issued from March 1 – October 31 for slash burns conducted by residents of unincorporated Boulder County.

What can I burn?

Summer slash burn permits allow residents to burn clean, dry slash (i.e., branches less than 3” in diameter). No grass clippings, leaves, stumps, trash, or lumber can be burned.

Whom do I need to notify?

• For all burns you are required to contact:
• Your local fire department at least 3 days prior to the burn, AND
• Boulder County Communications at 303-441-4444 on the day of the burn.

Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) will submit copies of burn permits to the local fire jurisdictions after they are issued.

• Are there any restrictions?

• All burning activities must be started at least 2 hours after sunrise and must be completely extinguished at least two hours before sunset (refer to local paper for sunrise and sunset times).
• You must call the Air Quality Bulletin at 303-782-0211 for the daily burn window. Burn only during those hours.
• Burning is NOT allowed when a red pollution advisory is in effect.
• During the month of March, applicants must comply with the air quality forecast of red/blue days. Call 303-7758-4848 or visit http://apcd.state.co.us/psi/main.html.
• During the months of June–September, no burning is allowed during red ozone action day alerts. Call 303-782-0211 for the current ozone action alert or visit http://apcd.state.co.us/psi/o3_advisory.phtml.

All applicable state and local regulations must be met. The permit is for compliance with the state air pollution control requirements only and must not violate any existing state or local laws, rules, regulations, or ordinances regarding fire, zoning, or building.

All permit requests will be evaluated by BCPH in accordance with the following policy:

If a practical alternative method of disposal exists for any material being requested to be open burned, then an open burning permit may be denied. In making such a determination, it should be remembered that a practical alternative method of disposal does not have to be as convenient or as cost-effective as open burning. The size of the burn and impact on local air quality will also be taken into consideration.

Apply for permit online   |   Download application (PDF 45 KB)