A Courtesy Notification  the Routt County Communications Center (Dispatch) at (970) 879-1110 should occur when burning:

• Woody or herbaceous products or cultivated fields that have an excess of dead grass or weeds that deter regular commercial agricultural use of that field,
• Fence rows,
• Irrigation ditches,
• The burning of hay and straw.

After this point, having an open fire becomes a bit more complex because there are three types of open burning permits required in Routt County. However, obtaining one of them could be as simple as a phone call.

Fires Requiring an Open Burning Permit

• The burning of rubbish (i.e., waste material including garbage and waste paper),
• The burning of wood and other flammable material on any open premises,
• The burning of woody or herbaceous material to create a defensible space around structures.

Where to Acquire Open Burning Permits

• Air Quality Permit-obtained from the Environmental Health Department located at 136 6th Street, Steamboat Springs, or call (970) 870-5588.
• Courtesy Open Burning Notification-obtained from your local fire department, local town hall, Routt County Communications Center, or call (970) 879-1110.
• City of Steamboat Springs Fire Department Permit-at Steamboat Springs City Hall or call (970) 879-2060, extension 217.

Open Burning Permit Denials

There are certain situations in which it would be irresponsible for the authorities to issue a burning permit, as stated in the Colorado Air Quality Control Regulations. “In granting or denying such permits, the Department shall base its decision on the location or proximity of such burning to any building or other structure; the potential contribution of such burning to air pollution in the area; climatic conditions on the day of the burning; and compliance with applicable fire protection and safety requirements of the local authority. Also considered are whether there is any practical alternative method for the disposal of the material to be burned and whether the burning will be conducted so as to minimize emissions.”