Level 1 Fire Restrictions

What is NOT allowed under Level 1 Fire Restrictions?

  • Bonfires (even if a permit was issued)outdoor recreational fire
  • Recreational fires that are not contained within a portable fireplace, chiminea, fire pit or grill
  • All fireworks - including sparklers, highway flares and toy caps
  • Model rockets or sky lanterns (note: sky lanterns are NEVER ALLOWED regardless of fire risk)
  • Burning trash (this is never allowed regardless of fire risk)

What is allowed under Level 1 Fire Restrictions?

Single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes

  • BBQ grills (all types)
  • Chimineas with reasonable and responsible use in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and fire code
  • Outdoor fireplaces and portable fire pits with reasonable and responsible use in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and fire code
  • outdoor fire pitIn-ground fire pits placed at least 25 feet away from combustibles (house, fence, deck, trees, etc.) and undeveloped land
  • Electric smokers (all types)
  • Tiki torches
  • Natural gas- or propane-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices

Apartments, condominiums and hotels

  • Gas- or propane-fueled BBQ grills, portable fireplaces and portable fire pits are allowed only under the following conditions: 
    • Appliance is located at least 10 feet from the structure, or, 
    • The building, balcony and deck are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system, or,
    • Appliance is a listed natural gas appliance installed in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code and supplied by the building’s natural gas system, or
    • Grill, fire pit, fireplace or cooking appliance uses a small 1-lb. LP-gas container (commonly used for camping). Two extra 1-lb. LP-gas containers may be stored on the balcony. 
  • BBQ grills, electric smokers, chimineas, portable fireplaces and portable fire pits that are fueled by wood, charcoal, chips or pellets are only allowed if:
    • Located at least 10 feet from the structure, or 
    • The building, balcony and deck are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system
    • Used reasonably and responsibly in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and fire code
  • Electric smoker (NOT pellet- or wood-fired)

Permit Holders for Open Burning

  • Persons with a VALID WRITTEN BURN PERMIT from North Metro Fire that specifically authorizes the use of open flame or open burning may be granted permission to conduct the open burn under Level 1 Fire Restrictions. However, as specified on the permit, permit holders must first seek and receive specific authorization from the Fire Prevention Division on the day they wish to burn prior to conducting the authorized burn.