← Colorado burn ban rules›Open Burning Rules
Colorado Open Burning Rules (2026)
Conditional: Open burning of yard/land debris (slash, vegetation, wood piles) generally requires a CDPHE smoke permit; small open burns are <50 piles, max 8'x8'x8', out cold by sunset.
Open burning of yard/land debris (slash, vegetation, wood piles) generally requires a CDPHE smoke permit; small open burns are <50 piles, max 8'x8'x8', out cold by sunset. No barrels/incinerators. Local county/fire approval also required.
Official source: cdphe.colorado.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Burning Rules in states bordering Colorado
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- ArizonaConditional
On state trust land, open/debris burning is governed by DFFM fire-restriction stages and local rules; many areas also require county air-quality burn permits. Allowances tighten as Stage I/II restrictions are imposed during fire season.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dffm.az.gov · Full Arizona rule →
- KansasConditional
Open burning of wastes is prohibited statewide (K.A.R. 28-19-645) except agricultural, residential, and other exempt burns; many burns need a county/local permit and some counties ban open burning in April.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: kdhe.ks.gov · Full Kansas rule →
- NebraskaRestricted
State statute 81-520.01 imposes a statewide open-burning ban on bonfires, rubbish fires and land-clearing fires. Open burning requires a written permit from the local fire chief (or designee) on a State Fire Marshal form before any burning.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: sfm.nebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
- New MexicoConditional
Open/debris burning on non-federal, non-tribal, non-municipal land is allowed only when no state fire restrictions are in effect; restrictions are common in dry months and can ban all agricultural, yard-waste and debris burning. Check local fire dept for permits.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: emnrd.nm.gov · Full New Mexico rule →
- OklahomaConditional
Open burning of debris is generally allowed but is restricted or prohibited under a county-commissioner or Governor's burn ban, which are common in drought. Violations are misdemeanors (county ban up to $500; Governor's ban up to $1,000).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ag.ok.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →
- UtahRestricted
Under Utah Code 65A-8-211, non-agricultural open burning is prohibited during the closed fire season (June 1–Oct 31) and Nov–Mar; allowed only Apr–May within a county-set 30-day window after notifying the fire department. Agricultural burns need a fire-warden/sheriff permit in season. A DAQ air-quality permit is also required.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ffsl.utah.gov · Full Utah rule →
- WyomingConditional
Open burning is governed by county commissioners under State Board of Land Commissioners rules; many counties require a permit from the county fire warden and impose seasonal/drought fire bans prohibiting open/debris fires. Rules vary by county — confirm locally before burning.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wsfd.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →
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