Open Burn/Fire Pits

Permitted from November 1 through April 15 

Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) wants to make individuals aware of several key factors for those wishing to enjoy their recreational fire pits or conduct an open burn over the winter. 

During the Open Burn Season, the following parameters must be met prior to any open burn:

  • A permit with Routt County Environmental Health is required. 970-870-5588
  • Open burns are not allowed in the city limits of Steamboat Springs. Open burns are only permitted in the county portion of the Steamboat Springs Area Fire Protection District. 
  • Burn piles must be less than 8’x8’x8’ and be devoid of trash or materials more suited for the landfill.
  • There must be 6 INCHES or more of snow on the ground at and around the burn site.
  • Burning must be started prior to 11am, always monitored and be out by sunset.
  • Call Routt County Communications prior to starting the burn at 970-879-1110
  • This burn season criteria only applies to the Steamboat Springs Area Fire Protection District. Contact other fire districts to obtain their requirements for open burning.
Open Burn Ends NewsFlash

Always observe fire safety guidelines and check the National Weather Service Fire Weather pages for local fire weather forecasts. Contact Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue at 970-879-7170 with questions. 

Recreational Fire Pits

All residential recreational fire pits that burn wood within the district require inspection and a permit. 

Fire Pit Open Burn NewsFlashConstruction

  • Pit must be buried at least 8 inches deep in the ground.
  • Pit must be at least 25 feet of any structure or combustible materials.
  • Diameter of the pit shall be no more than 3 feet.
  • Must be constructed of brick, concrete or steel.
    1. Rock is accepted as long as there is not an air gap between the rocks.
    2. The gaps must be filled with concrete.
  • A lip of 6 inches must be above ground using any of the construction materials listed above.

Inspection:

  • Fire pits must be inspected by Fire Prevention Services after construction is complete and prior to burning.

Notification:

  • Dispatch should be notified by calling 970-879-1110 before each burn.
  • An alternative to building your own fire/barbecue pit is to purchase an approved fire ring or fire pit.
    1. Pit must be at least 15 feet of any structure or combustible materials.
    2. Pit must not be located on combustible materials (like a wooden deck).