Fire Regulations in Bristol, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Bristol or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Bristol has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Outdoor Burning

Bristol Borough Ch. 7 (Fire Prevention) regulates fire safety. Open burning likely restricted under Borough code. PA DEP Clean Air regulations also apply. Grills and barbecues for cooking typically exempt.

Key details: Open Burning: Restricted under fire prevention code. Cooking: Grills/barbecues typically exempt. State Regulation: PA DEP 25 Pa. Code Ch. 129. Code Section: Ch. 7 (Fire Prevention).

Unauthorized burning: fines per Borough ordinance and potential PA DEP enforcement.

Fireworks

PA Act 74 of 2017 legalized consumer fireworks (1.4G) for adults 18+. Must not discharge within 150 ft of occupied structure without permission. Curfew 11 PM (1 AM on July 4, NYE, New Year's Day). Bristol Borough Ch. 7 covers fire prevention.

Key details: Legal Age: 18+ for consumer (1.4G). Distance: 150 ft from occupied structures. Curfew: 11 PM (1 AM July 4/NYE/Jan 1). State Law: PA Act 74 of 2017.

PA Act 74: fines $100+. Discharge within 150 ft of structure: additional penalties. Borough fire code violations per Ch. 7.

Fire Pit Rules

Bristol Borough fire pits subject to Ch. 7 fire prevention regulations. Cooking-only fire pits may be exempt as outdoor cooking devices. Recreational wood-burning pits may require compliance with open burning rules. Contact Borough for specific guidance.

Key details: Cooking Pits: Likely exempt as cooking devices. Recreational Fires: May be subject to open burn rules. Setback (typical): 25 ft from structures (IFC). Contact: Borough or local fire company.

Fire safety violations per Ch. 7. Nuisance complaints may trigger enforcement.

The Bottom Line

Bristol's fire regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bristol is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Bristol's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.