City of Cortez requires a free permit to burn yard waste
The city says a permit costs nothing, takes a phone call, and keeps the fire and police departments from being sent out to investigate.
The following is a news release from the City of Cortez, posted to the city’s news flash page on October 5, 2026.
The City of Cortez would like to remind residents and property owners that they must obtain a free burn permit before burning yard waste or a large bonfire within the City limits of Cortez.
Graphic: City of Cortez
Burn permits are easy and free to get; call City Hall at 970-565-3402 and ask to speak with Cheryl Lindquist, City of Cortez Permit Technician.
Burn permits alert City staff, Cortez Fire Department, and the Cortez Police Department of your intentions. This saves time and resources for our public officers and prevents headaches for property owners. If a neighbor or other concerned citizen reports an unpermitted burn in to dispatch, authorities will be sent to investigate. If a burn permit was not obtained, a ticket may be issued.
Small, backyard fires in authorized UL-listed appliances are not required to have a burn permit; however, you can always call for a free burn permit, if desired.
The notice is on the city’s news flash page.
Note from the Cortez Current: this notice covers the Cortez city limits. Montezuma County has a separate fire ban, which the county says applies to unincorporated areas only and may differ from restrictions on public lands. See our earlier story on the county fire ban.