Dolores County, Colorado
Partial restrictions apply in Dolores: burning is permitted only with a permit or within specific exceptions.
What this means
- Small cooking fires (grill, camp stove)
Penalties in Colorado
Penalties for violating a county fire restriction are set locally and vary. Escaped fires can also trigger liability for suppression costs and civil damages regardless of the criminal penalty.
Classification: Class 2 petty offense to misdemeanor, county-dependent · Maximum fine: varies by county — commonly $100 to $1,000
Recent status history
- Aug 6, 2026 — Partial Restrictions
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2026 | Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management ↗ | status: Partial Restrictions |
Neighbouring counties
Notify me when this changes
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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Dolores county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
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Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
Fire extinguishers
Always worth having on hand near any permitted fire, ban or no ban.
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Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by Colorado Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within Dolores county may impose stricter rules than the county order. Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions. When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status. The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Dolores county under a burn ban right now?
Partial restrictions apply. Colorado's statewide rule limits when and where you can burn today. See the "What this means" module above for the specifics.
What can I still burn in Dolores county?
Standard open burning is currently permitted, subject to any municipal ordinance in your area. Never leave a fire unattended, and keep water and a shovel nearby.
How do I report an illegal fire in Dolores county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For non-emergency violations of a burn-ban order, contact the Dolores Sheriff's Office or fire marshal.