The Pagosa Fire Protection District does not issue large "Open burning" permits larger than a 4x4x4 pile. Please call the EOC at (970)731-2160 for more information if you need to burn larger piles.

The Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Operations Center enforce the burning requirements and restrictions through citations and fines.

Violation of the Ordinance under C.R.S.  §30-15-402 as follows:

• Any person who violates this Ordinance from the effective date commits a civil infraction under C.R.S. §30-15-402, and, upon conviction or confession of guilt thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than six hundred dollars ($600.00), by a fine of not more than eight hundred dollars ($800.00) during Stage 1 Open Burning Restrictions, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) during Stage 2 Open Burning Restrictions, for each separate violation, plus a surcharge often dollars ($10.00).
• Fines are to be set by the County Court, unless the violator wishes to confess guilt and, pursuant to the penalty assessment procedure, pay a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00), a fine of four hundred dollars ($400.00) during Stage 1 Open Burning Restrictions, or a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) during Stage 2 Open Burning Restrictions, plus a ten dollars ($10.00) surcharge, which shall be paid to the Clerk of the Court for credit to the victims and witnesses assistance and law enforcement fund for the Sixth Judicial District.

To view the “Second Amended and Restated Archuleta County Open Fire and Open Burning Restriction Ordinance,” click here:  Ordinance NO 18-2017 

BE AWARE OF YOUR H.O.A. RULES AND REGULATIONS

Archuleta County Burning Ordinance - Summary

Section 7: Definitions

“Open Fire”: Any outdoor fire, including but not limited to:

• Campfires or warming fires.
• Fires in charcoal grills or wood-burning stoves.
• Property Clean-up of no more than 3 - 4x4x4 piles

Open Fire Burn Permit Requirements:

For property clean-up and recreational fires.

1. Permit Requirement: All open burning within Archuleta County requires an open burn permit.
2. Recreational Fires: May go after dark, when atmospheric conditions are within acceptable limits.
3. Property Clean-up: Open burning is allowed only between sunrise and sunset and when atmospheric conditions are within acceptable limits. 
4. Where to Obtain Permits:
   • Permits can be purchased at the Pagosa Fire Protection District Administrative Office.
     • Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
     • Note: The office is closed 12:00 – 1:00 PM for lunch and on holidays.
5. Cost and Validity:
   • Permit fee: $10.00 (cash or check only).
     • Permits expire on December 31st of the purchase year.
6. Permit Details:
   • Buyers must complete an application form at the time of purchase.
   • A permit is issued for one specific address and can be used multiple times throughout the year.

Below, you can download the requirements, restrictions, and the permit application: