Burn Permits and Open Burning Guidelines for Chaffee County

Burn Permits: October 1 – April 30
In accordance with Chaffee County Ordinance No. 2018-03, burn permits are issued from October 1 to April 30 each year.

When Do You Need a Burn Permit?

• If your burn pile is larger than 10 feet in diameter or higher than 3 feet, you must obtain a burn permit.
• Before a permit is issued, a Fire Inspector will inspect the burn pile to ensure it meets safety requirements.

How to Request a Burn Permit

1. Submit a Burn Permit Form: You can request a burn permit by filling out the burn permit form.
2. Inspection: The Fire Inspector will contact you within a week to arrange an inspection of your burn pile.
3. Pre-Burn Notification: If approved, you must contact the Chaffee County Sheriff's non-emergent line at 719-539-2596 before lighting your burn.

Understanding Open Burning
The Chaffee County Ordinance defines open burning into three categories:

• Campfire or Warming Fire: A fire within a ring or grate, no larger than 3 feet in diameter.
• Small Burn: A pile less than 10 feet in diameter and no more than 3 feet in height.
• Large Burn: A pile at least 10 feet in diameter and/or greater than 3 feet in height, requiring a burn permit.

Small Pile Burns: Important Rules

• October to April: Must call the non-emergent number before lighting. The fire must be out cold by 2 PM.
• May to September: Must call the non-emergent number before lighting. The fire must be out cold by 12 PM.

All burns must be supervised at all times and never left unattended.