Fire Marshal

Plans & Permits

PERMITS

Open Burning Requirements

All open burning shall comply with the 2018 International Fire Code, Town of Kersey Municipal Code within the Town Limits of the Town of Kersey, and shall comply with all applicable Weld County Open Burning requirements, including the Colorado Air Quality Commission Regulation No. 1, Sections II.C.1 through II.C.3.

A burn permit must be obtained through the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, Environmental Health Services here.  Additionally, a burn permit must be approved by the Platte Valley Fire Protection District.

Prior to the commencement of open burning with a WCDPHE permit:

  • The permit holder must first verify that weather conditions are appropriate for burning.
    • The Platte Valley Fire Protection District (970)353-3890 and Weld County Dispatch (970)350-9600 must be notified.
    • Callers must provide their name, phone number, permit number, location of burn, and time that the burn is planned to be complete.

Open Burning Requirements:

  1. The responsible party shall have a valid and issued burn permit (WCDPHE and CDPHE permits as required).
    1. What type of open burning DOES require a burn permit? More information here
    1. What type of open burning DOES NOT require a burn permit? More information here
  2. Open Burning shall be done when the wind is calm or very light (5 mph or less).
  3. The allowed time period for open burning and smoke emissions is from two hours after sunrise to two hours before sunset. Smoke emissions from open burns are not permitted within two hours of sundown.
  4. Materials that may be burned are limited to natural vegetation (tree branches, grass, and weeds). Permits will not be issued for plastics, tires, treated wood (glued, painted, or preserved), campers, trailers, mobile homes, tree stumps, logs, posts, or Creosoted Wood. Prohibited fuels page
  5. Piles must be smaller than 8ft x 8ft x 8ft (512 cubic feet) in size. Hazardous materials and other rubbish shall not be burned.
  6. Ignition shall be done using a torch, fuse, drip torch, or other approved method. Flammable and combustible liquids shall not be used.
  7. Open burning shall not be conducted within 50 feet of any structure, combustible material, or property lines.
  8. A water supply shall be provided capable of being used for fire extinguishment.
  9. The fire must be attended at all times by a person knowledgeable in the use of the required fire extinguishing water supply/equipment and be familiar with the requirements of this permit.
  10. PVFPD is authorized to require that open burning be immediately discontinued if it is determined by District personnel that the open burning constitutes a hazardous condition.
  11. Burning shall be discontinued, and the permit shall be canceled if smoke emissions are offensive, a nuisance, or a health risk for occupants and animals in the surrounding area.
  12. During publicly announced periods of AIR POLLUTION EMERGENCY or ALERT, all permits are suspended in the Kersey area. Contact the Air Pollution Control Division at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 888-484-3247 to determine the status. In such cases, burning may be conducted only with the direct permission of the PVFPD or the WCDPHE authority.
  13. Burning of agricultural waterways and fields is exempt from the declaration. No burning will take place during the “Ozone Action Day Alert” during June, July, and August.
  14. No burning is allowed during RED FLAG WARNING DAYS
  15. Burn location must have adequate access for fire district apparatus.
  16. Open burning on commercial property is prohibited.

Failure to comply with the open burning requirements set forth by the Platte Valley Fire Protection District (PVFPD), Weld County, or the State of Colorado is considered a serious violation that poses a significant risk to public safety, property, and the environment. Unauthorized or non-compliant burns can quickly escalate into uncontrolled fires, strain emergency response resources, and expose nearby residents to harmful smoke and pollutants. Individuals or entities found in violation may be subject to immediate extinguishment orders, citation, fines, or reimbursement for emergency response costs incurred by the Fire District.

In addition to PVFPD regulations, open burning must adhere to Weld County and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requirements. This includes obtaining the appropriate permits, following prescribed burn windows, and meeting weather condition thresholds such as wind speed limits and air quality advisories. Failure to obtain necessary approvals or meet state-mandated guidelines may result in enforcement action from both local and state agencies. Repeat or egregious violations may also result in criminal charges and the revocation of future burn privileges. The Platte Valley Fire Protection District strongly urges all residents and property owners to verify compliance before initiating any open burning activity.

Burn permits are issued by the Weld County Department of Health and Environment, not the fire district.  However, we prefer to be notified at (970) 353-3890 of any planned burns.

Visit the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment website to obtain a permit or call 970-304-6415.

Business Friendly Inspections

The Platte Valley Fire Protection District conducts business-friendly fire inspections on an annual basis.  The objective of this program is to prevent emergency incidents that endanger lives and damage property.  Through a proactive fire inspection program, it is our goal to reduce the number of fire and hazardous materials emergencies that occur in our community. All business inspections start as an educational opportunity where we explain any code violations found as well as the best way to address those issues. 

Our Goals:

  1. Protect our business community from financial loss.
  2. Ensure the safety of employees and the citizens who enter the business; and
  3. Protect firefighters when they are called upon to mitigate whatever type of emergency that may take place in the business. 

Items Commonly Inspected:

The following are areas of frequent fire code violation:

  • The address must be visible from the street.
  • Addresses shall be in contrasting color from the building background. 
  • Exit doors and exit signage must be properly marked and functioning properly. 
  • Exit doors cannot be blocked.
  • Fire extinguishers must be in place, properly mounted, and serviced annually. 
  • Extension cords are for temporary use only.
  • Fire pump and riser rooms may not be used as storage areas. 
  • Fire sprinklers and piping may not be used for hanging items.

Knox Box Information

The installation of a Knox Box is required for any building that has a monitored fire alarm system.  Additionally, providing a Knox Box can save you money as we will not be forced to damage or destroy your doors to make entry.  We would have access to your property’s keys!  Many building owners have chosen to install them, even if not required, for that reason. 

All properties with a Knox Box are required to maintain a copy of all current keys to the building inside the box.  Having current keys allows the Fire Department crews responding to your emergency quick access to check for signs of fire or another emergency. If you have a Knox Box, please contact us to notify us of any key changes or other changes that would challenge us with entering your building. 

We share your concerns about the security of your business and the items inside your building. We never unlock a Knox Box unless there is a legitimate reason for us to enter the building without you present. If you are concerned about the safety of your building by giving us these keys, please know that these boxes are used by fire departments across the United States, and there has never been a documented case of one being successfully breached. Plus, all of our keys are secured with electronic locks that require passcodes to unlock. This allows us to audit our keys at any time in case there is a question of suspected misuse. You may also purchase and install a Knox Box that can be electronically monitored for tampering. 

For additional information on the Knox Box, please visit the manufacturer’s website at www.knoxbox.com  

Please call us at 970-353-3890 for additional information or to update keys kept in your Knox Box.

CONTRACTOR
BUILDING PERMITS

Fire Marshal Guide

Coming Soon

Building Construction Plan Review & Permit Fees

Greg Becker, Fire Marshal
Phone: 970-673-5771
Email: gbecker@plattevalleyfire.org

Station Phone: (970) 353-3890
Station Fax: (970) 353-4890

More Information Here

Fire Protection System Plan Review & Permit Fees

Greg Becker, Fire Marshal
Phone: 970-673-5771
Email: gbecker@plattevalleyfire.org

Station Phone: (970) 353-3890
Station Fax: (970) 353-4890

More Information Here