Residents across Fremont County can once again seek permission for open burning after the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District rescinded its fire restriction orders. The change took effect Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at noon, according to a Cañon City News Flash notice posted Oct. 5.
The move comes as increased precipitation and higher natural fuel moisture have reduced the critical fire conditions associated with the potential for extreme fire behavior in Fremont County and surrounding areas of Southern Colorado.
New permit process applies countywide
Although restrictions have been downgraded, officials are still urging residents to use caution with open burning and recreational fires. The Fire District has introduced a new open-burning permit system that includes a daily permission process. The system is now in effect throughout Fremont County.
Residents are directed to consult the Fire District’s webpage for the new permitting requirements and daily authorization process before conducting an open burn. The notice does not state that all proposed burns will automatically receive permission.
Existing paper permits must be replaced
People who already hold a paper open-burn permit marked with an S1, S2 or S3 followed by numbers must obtain a new permit under the updated system. The announcement identifies the permit change as a safety measure while reminding the community that weather and fuel conditions can change.
The city’s notice links the update to the Cañon City Area Fire Protection District’s open-burn permitting information. Residents planning an open burn or recreational fire should review that information and complete the required permission process before starting.