So, You Want a Fire Pit in Aurora, Colorado? Let’s Talk Fire Safety (and the Law!)
Dreaming of roasting marshmallows under the Colorado stars in your own backyard? A fire pit sounds like the perfect addition! But before you rush out and buy one, let’s get real about the rules here in Aurora. Nobody wants a visit from the fire department (unless it’s for a rescue, of course!).
The good news? Fire pits are generally okay in Aurora. The slightly less good news? There are definitely some hoops you need to jump through to keep things legal and, more importantly, safe. Think of it as responsible fun!
Basically, Aurora Fire Rescue sees these things – fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, even those cute little chimineas – as “Portable outdoor fireplaces.” That means they fall under a specific section of the fire code, Section 307 of the International Fire Code (IFC) to be exact, which deals with “Open Burning, Recreational Fires, and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces.” Sounds official, right?
So, what does that actually mean for you? Here’s the lowdown:
- Keep your distance! Your fire pit needs to be at least 15 feet away from anything that could catch fire – your house, your shed, that pile of lumber you’ve been meaning to deal with. If it is a recreational fire it needs to be 25 feet away from a structure or combustible material.
- Size matters. We’re not talking bonfire-sized infernos here. Keep your recreational fires to a reasonable size. Think no more than three feet across and two feet high.
- Don’t leave it unattended! This is a big one. You must keep an eye on your fire until it’s completely out. That means a responsible adult needs to be on fire-watching duty at all times. No sneaking inside to catch the latest episode of your favorite show!
- Be prepared! You need to have something on hand to put the fire out quickly. A fire extinguisher is ideal (look for one with a 4-A rating), but a hose, a bucket of water, or even a pile of dirt or sand will do in a pinch.
- Use common sense! If it’s a super windy day, or the air quality is terrible (they call them “Action Days” during the winter, or “Red Flag” days), skip the fire. Nobody wants to choke on smoke or accidentally set the neighborhood ablaze. If the fire official thinks your fire is a problem, they can shut it down.
- The good news? You can still use your gas or charcoal grill responsibly.
Now, about those burn restrictions… Aurora’s usually under what they call a “Stage 1 Burn Restriction.” Mostly, that affects fireworks. But pay attention! During Stage 2, they might restrict recreational fires and bonfires. And Stage 3? That could mean no outdoor cooking with wood or charcoal in parks and open spaces. So, keep an eye on the news.
What about permits? Generally, you don’t need one for a regular fire pit or outdoor fireplace. But, if you’re installing a gas fire pit, you might need a permit for the gas line. Propane fire pits are usually permit-free.
The bottom line? Be smart, be safe, and be considerate of your neighbors. Aurora Fire Rescue wants you to have fun, but they also want to keep our city safe. If you have any questions, give their Life Safety Division a call at 303-326-8999. They’re the experts! And always double-check for any current fire restrictions before you light that match.
Enjoy those cozy evenings – responsibly! Just remember, a little planning goes a long way in making sure your fire pit dreams don’t turn into a fiery nightmare.