Definitions
Bonfire: An outdoor fire utilized for ceremonial purposes. (2009 IFC)
Open Burning: The 2009 IFC defines open burning as: “The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber.” Under El Paso County Ordinance 19-001, open burning refers to applies to vegetation management burns of clean, dry, natural vegetative material. Open burning does not include recreational fires or the use of portable outdoor fireplaces.
Open Fire: Under El Paso County Ordinance 19-001, the term “open fire” refers to any outdoor fire including:
- Vegetation management burns;
- Recreational, cooking, and warming fires;
- Prescribed and agricultural burns.
Portable Outdoor Fireplace: A portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other noncombustible material. It may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top. (2009 IFC)
Recreational Fire: An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. Recreational fires may be used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes.