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Winter Burning

Burn permits are issued from November 1 – March 31 for wildfire mitigation burns conducted by residents of unincorporated Boulder County.

What can I burn?

• Winter mitigation burn permits allow residents or local fire departments to burn:
• Wood debris or slash generated during wildfire mitigation or hazardous fuel reduction activities (i.e., thinning, defensible space, and forest health).
• Clean, dry slash (branches less than 6” in diameter).

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?

• The burn must take place at altitudes greater than 6,400 feet.
• Applicants must comply with the air quality forecast of air quality Action Days. Call 303-758-4848 or visit http://apcd.state.co.us/psi/main.html.
• Burning is NOT allowed when an air quality Action Day has been forecast.
• Burning must occur between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on blue days.
• Fires must be completely out without any significant residual smoke by 4:00 p.m.

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)