Rio Grande County, Colorado
Partial restrictions apply in Rio Grande: 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
- Aug 6, 2026 — Unconfirmed
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
One email when Rio Grande county's status changes — nothing else. No newsletter, no marketing. One-click unsubscribe.
Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Rio Grande 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.
Marabuut30-Inch Corten Steel Burn Barrel with Mesh LidMesh lid helps contain sparks and embers. Airflow vents, sturdy base, handles for ash removal.View on Amazon 
AURENZOStainless Steel Burn Cage with Removable Ash CatcherSolid steel lid contains flying embers. 360° ventilation slots and a slide-out ash tray.View on Amazon Patio fire pits with spark screens
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.
Product links on this page are Amazon affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate, burnbanradar earns from qualifying purchases. This never changes the price you pay or which county status we show. See our affiliate disclosure.
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 Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande Sheriff's Office or fire marshal.