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Larimer County Burn Regulations

 

 

 

 

 

Loveland Fire Rescue Reminders for Burn Regulations

The Bobcat fire of 2000 and recent drought issues certainly have raised a new awareness for fire safety in the area. This has translated to more questions from local residents about open burning regulations. Many of these come from concerns about neighbors burning. Most complaints end up requiring the Big Thompson Canyon Fire Department, along with fire engines from the City of Loveland, to respond and check out the problem.  Oftentimes these turn out to be illegal trash burns, or slash burns that should have required a permit to burn. One of the most common answers that we hear from the person doing the burning is, “I didn’t know I needed a permit.” 

I would like to share with you some of the more frequent questions that we are asked. Hopefully by sharing this same information with everyone regarding burn regulations, I can clear up any misunderstandings, or perceptions about what you, or your neighbor can or cannot do in regards to open burning.

(Q)  I live in the county so I don’t need a permit, right?

(A)  Open Burning rules are state wide and enforced in cities and counties.       

         

(Q)  How much does a burn permit cost?

(A) There is a $30.00 fee for a burn permit that is issued that will give you enough time to get any necessary burning completed.

 

(Q) Is it OK to burn tree slash to keep my property clear in case of a fire?

(A)  We do encourage residents to keep their property clear of low branches, and other ground cover to help make defensible space in case of a fire. Disposal of this material is always a problem; you can haul it away, or use the chipper program when it is open. When these options are not available, you can obtain an Open Burning Permit from the Loveland Fire Prevention Office. If your property is not located in our district, you can obtain one from Larimer County Health Department at 498-6775. Regardless, if you’re planning to burn slash or other materials you need a permit, Slash burning permits are only issued from October through April.

 

(Q)  If I use a burn barrel it’s not considered open burning right?

(A)  Most burn barrels are used for one thing, burning trash. Burning trash is prohibited by the Larimer County Health Department and it is not allowed in The Loveland Rural Fire Protection District. Burn barrels have been responsible for many complaints and some fires in the area.

 

(Q)  What are the rules for Open Burning?

(A)  I have copied our Open Burning Regulations for your information. Please take a few minutes to review these regulations. If you have questions please call me and I will be happy to help you.


Open Burning Outside Loveland City Limits:

Agricultural Burning:  Burning is allowed for agricultural purposes when the following criteria are met:

            Land must be in use as a Farm or Ranch as defined by Colorado Revised Statutes.

Farm: A parcel of land which is used to produce agricultural products that originate from the land’s productivity for the primary purpose of obtaining a monetary profit. [CRS 39-1-102 (3.5)]

or

Ranch: A parcel of land, which is used for grazing livestock for the primary purpose of obtaining monetary profit. For the purpose of this subsection, “livestock” means domestic animals which are used for food or animal consumption, breeding, draft, or profit. [CRS 39-1-102 (13.5)] The grazing and boarding of “pleasure horses” does not qualify as a “ranching” use. [Palmer v. Board of Equaliz., 957P2d 348, Colo. App. 1998]

or

A parcel of land that consists of at least 40 acres, that is used to produce tangible wood products that originate from the productivity of such land [CRS 39-1-102 (1.6)(a)(I)]

or

A parcel of land that consists of at least 80 acres, or of less than 80 acres if such parcel does not contain any residential improvements, and that is subject to a perpetual conservation easement and has been classified by the tax assessor as agricultural land. [CRS 39-1-102 (1.6)(A)(III)]

 

        1.      Agricultural burning is allowed in the Loveland Rural Fire Protection District without a permit   provided the property meets the above definitions. Owners must still call in to dispatch when burning.

  1. Any burning over one acre in size, including agricultural and all other burning, must have a permit.

 

Larimer County Rules of Burning Recognized by Loveland Fire Rescue:

Ditch Burning:  Exempt: When performed by ditch companies for irrigation purposes, or meets the farm or ranch definition for agricultural burning.

Recreational /Cooking Fires:   Exempt: These types of fires may not exceed a nominal size of 3 feet by 3feet. Fires larger than this will require a permit.

Slash Burning: These restrictions will apply to all property North of Highway 34 and West of County Road 27, and South of Highway 34 and West of County Road 29. Slash burning in the foothills and mountains should be done during damp conditions or when good snow cover exists. These burn permits are issued between October 1 and April 1.

 

Safety Guidelines: for permitted slash  burning

  • Pile debris in open areas away from standing timber and structures.
  • Piles should be no larger than 8 feet wide and 6 feet high.
  • There must be a minimum of 3 inches of snow cover around piles.
  • Winds should be less than 10 mph. Check the weather forecast to avoid burning during high winds or extremely dry conditions.
  • Always have water, a rake and a shovel available.
  • Attend all fires until completely out.
  • All burning must be extinguished by nightfall.

Safety Guidelines: other permitted burns:

  • Pile debris in open areas away from standing timber and structures.
  • Piles should be no larger than 8 feet wide and 6 feet high.
  • Winds should be less than 10 mph. Check the weather forecast to avoid burning during high winds or extremely dry conditions.
  • Always have water, a rake and a shovel available.
  • Attend all fires until completely out.
  • All burning must be extinguished by nightfall.

Prohibited Materials:

  • Routine yard and garden clean-up waste
  • Structures
  • Construction debris
  • Household garbage
  • Materials that produce excessive smoke (plastic, wire, tires, wet grass, leaves, etc.)
  • Commercial/Business waste
  • Stumps

 

General Regulations for Loveland Fire Rescue Department Open Burning Permits:

  1. Call Loveland Communications at 962-2800 before you start burning and once the fire is completely out.
  1. Burning is not permitted when reasonable alternative methods of disposal exist.
  1. All fires must be constantly attended by a competent adult having extinguishing equipment ready to use, and permit on site. All fires must be completely extinguished prior to the attendant leaving.
  1. Burning is not permitted during windy conditions or when expected winds will exceed 10 miles per hour.
  1. A minimum distance of 50 feet shall be maintained between any fires and any structure or combustible fence. Burning of ditches in the City of Loveland or the Loveland Rural Fire Protection District where the distancing is unavailable can only be performed by or under the supervision of a ditch company.
  1. No person shall burn upon the land of another without permission of the owner thereof or his agent.
  1. Burning shall only occur between sunrise and sunset. Exceptions to this for recreational burns or cooking fires, if granted, will be written on the permit.
  1. Burning of rubber, tires, plastics, wire insulation, and other smoke producing materials will not be permitted.
     
  2. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Loveland Fire Rescue Department open burning regulations is punishable under Article 11 of the Uniform Fire Code and the Colorado Revised Statutes 25-7-123(3), which sets fines up to $100 per day.

With everyone’s help, we can keep our community fire safe. Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,

Tim Haag

Fire Marshal

City of Loveland

Loveland Rural Fire Protection District


 


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