New Open Burning Regulations for Elizabeth Fire
The District would like to inform its residents of changes to the requirements for requesting a burn permit for open burning. Beginning June 1st, 2023, all residents who wish to participate in an open burn will be required to apply for a state open burning permit through the Air Pollution Control Division before contacting their local fire district for a local permit.
Recreational fires such as campfires or non-commercial cooking fires do not fall under the category of open burning. Be advised that, although recreational fires do not require a state issued permit, they do require a local permit under Stage II Burn Restrictions. For more information on the difference between open burning and recreational fires and to see details on local burn restrictions, please visit our website at https://elizabethfpd.colorado.gov/fire-prevention/open-burning.
Open burning allows:
Burning of untreated, natural wood (such as sticks, branches, and limbs that do not exceed 6” in diameter), leaves, dry prairie grass, slash, weeds, etc.
Open burning does not allow:
Burning of tree stumps, tires, plastic, cut lumber, construction debris, pallets, furniture trash, or any other item that produces pollution that is harmful to the environment and public health.
Beginning June 1st, the Elizabeth Fire Protection District will require residents who request an open burning permit to first acquire a state open burning permit if required. State issued permits can be applied for through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/apens-and-air-permits/open-burn-small-pile/slash-permits at no cost to the applicant. Permit applications have a turnaround of less than 24 hours and must be renewed every January. Be sure to complete both steps below before participating in any open burning:
1. Apply for a state open burning permit through the Air Pollution Control Division.
2. Contact your local fire department for information on burn restrictions specific to your district and to apply for a local burn permit.
Be advised that your possession of a state open burning permit does not guarantee your ability to open burn on any given day. Residents must also comply with local burn restrictions and apply for a permit with their local fire department. The Elizabeth Fire Protection District is currently under Stage I Burn Restrictions, but the District is not issuing any permits today due to high winds. Current burn restrictions can always be found on our website: https://elizabethfpd.colorado.gov/.
For more information on open burning and requirements for state and local permits, contact the District using the contact information above or the Air Pollution Control Division by email at cdphe.apopenburning [at] state.co.us or by phone at 303-692-3268.
For immediate release April 27, 2023 MST