City of Fort Collins Adopts Fire Restrictions
Published on March 24, 2026
Contact: Amanda King, Chief Communications Officer, aking@fortcollins.gov
Stage 1 fire restrictions will take effect in the City of Fort Collins and parts of Larimer County on Wednesday, March 25, due to increased fire danger across the region.
The restrictions were recommended by Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) Fire Chief Derek Bergsten in alignment with Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen who recommended fire restrictions for unincorporated Larimer County below 9,000 ft. The Larimer Board of County Commissioners voted to adopt these restrictions.
“Aligning with Larimer County helps ensure consistent messaging for residents and strengthens our ability to reduce fire risk,” said Chief Bergsten. “These restrictions are tools to help us all work together and protect our community during this time of elevated risk.”
The City’s order supports (not replaces) county and state fire restrictions.
“Based on the current fire risk in our community and recommendations from our local fire authorities, the City of Fort Collins is moving forward with Stage 1 fire restrictions,” said Fort Collins City Manager Kelly DiMartino. “These restrictions are important to protect the safety of our community and align with fire restrictions in place in neighboring communities.”
Why Restrictions are in Place:
Recent conditions have increased wildfire risk, including, but not limited to, current weather conditions, long- and short-term weather forecasts, lack of precipitation, fire restrictions in neighboring communities, regional fires and/or fires in close proximity to the City, live and dead fuel moisture levels, energy release components, atmospheric conditions, degraded air quality and limited availability of suppression resources.
What Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Mean:
Stage 1 restrictions are not a fire ban. It limits certain activities that could start a fire.
Not allowed at all times:
- Burning of trash or rubish
- Fireworks
- Open fires or burning without a permit and approved by the Fire Code Official
Not allowed under the Administrative Order:
- Campfires, warming fires, and cooking fires (exceptions below)
- Open discarding of smoking materials
- Fireworks and any fused explosives
- Using equipment like chainsaws without spark arrester
- Using incendiary devices or other explosives and the burning of explosive waste
- Operating any pest control equipment that relies upon the ignition of flammable gases or liquids
Types of burning/fires allowed with precautions:
- Gas or liquid-fueled grills, fire pits, and stoves
- Fires in approved containers using clean, dry wood or charcoal
- Smoking only in cleared or enclosed areas (such as a vehicle or building)
- Welding with proper safety measures
- Fires specifically authorized by a permit issued by Larimer County and approved by the Fire Code Official (the Fire Chief of PFA)
Officials remind residents that even when restrictions are not in place, burning may be suspended on high-risk days.
Any person who violates this Administrative Order commits a Fort Collins Municipal Code criminal misdemeanor offense and is subject to the criminal penalties in Section 1-15(a).
Violation concerns can be reported to the City's non-emergency phone number: 970-419-3273. If you see active flames, please call 911.
Stay Fire Aware
Residents are encouraged to use caution with any activity that could spark a fire and stay current on local conditions.
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