Larimer County is slamming the brakes on risky outdoor flames after its top lawman waved a big red flag about wildfire danger.
On Tuesday, the Larimer County Board of County Commissioners voted 2-0 to put fire restrictions in place across unincorporated parts of the county, officials said. The move follows a warning from the Larimer County sheriff about elevated wildfire risk fueled by above-normal temperatures, lightning potential, and windy, dry conditions. The restrictions limit open fires, fireworks, and certain combustible or incendiary devices in those outlying areas.
According to a post by the Larimer County Government, the board approved the restrictions after the sheriff’s recommendation and confirmed the rules apply to unincorporated Larimer County. County officials said the goal is straightforward: cut down the chances that a single spark turns into a fast-moving wildfire that threatens homes, roads, and everything in its path.
What the Restrictions Ban
The county ordinance prohibits uncontained open fires, smoking in open spaces such as trails and parks, fireworks and other incendiary devices, and certain outdoor welding and combustible-device uses. It also spells out that indoor fireplaces, permanently constructed metal or masonry fire pits, and many gas-fueled grills remain allowed in specific settings, and that the sheriff can grant limited exemptions after inspection, as detailed in the Larimer County ordinance.
Where the Rules Apply and How to Check
The restrictions apply only to unincorporated portions of Larimer County. Because town and fire-district boundaries do not always line up, residents within city or town limits need to follow guidance from their local fire authority instead.
To sort out whether your property falls under the county rules, officials point residents to the county’s Larimer County interactive map and the Larimer County Sheriff's Office wildfire safety page, which includes boundary details and sign-up information for alerts and resources.
Why the County Acted Now
County leaders said the timing is driven by both the forecast and what they are already seeing on the ground: hot, dry, and windy conditions, plus lightning, all of which raise the odds that any ignition could quickly get out of control.
Those same ingredients helped drive a gusty, fast-moving fire near Fort Collins earlier this month that triggered mandatory evacuations, as reported by the Denver Gazette. That incident underscored, for county officials, why waiting for peak summer heat to clamp down on fire risks was not an option.
How Residents Should Respond
Residents in unincorporated areas are urged to avoid open burning, secure debris piles, and follow any additional restrictions from their local fire district. Gas grills and indoor fireplaces are generally allowed, but officials say residents should double-check rules where they live.
The county is also nudging people to sign up for emergency alerts at NoCo Alert and to keep an eye on updates from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s wildfire safety guidance notes that anyone who sees smoke should call the non-emergency line at 970-416-1985 or 911 if there is an active fire.
Legal Consequences
Violating the restrictions can bring fines and other enforcement under the county’s open-burning ordinance. The sheriff’s office is responsible for enforcing the rules and, in limited circumstances, may issue permits or exemptions.
The ordinance lays out detailed definitions, penalties, and enforcement procedures for unincorporated Larimer County. For residents who want to dig into the legal fine print, the full text is available from Larimer County.
