How Memphis Handles Fire Regulations: A Practical Guide

Memphis maintains 200 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with fire regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Memphis falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Wildfire Zones

Memphis is not located in a designated wildfire hazard zone. The city lies within humid bottomland and Mississippi River floodplain, far from fire-prone wildland-urban interface areas. No state or federal wildfire defensible-space mandate applies to Memphis parcels.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/forests) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Memphis gives residents more flexibility on wildfire zones.

Brush Clearance

Memphis requires property owners to keep yards clear of dead vegetation and overgrowth under the weed and blight ordinance. Brush exceeding 10 inches must be cut, and accumulations near structures that create a fire hazard are abated by the city with costs liened to the property.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Backyard Fires

Backyard recreational fires in Memphis are permitted in approved outdoor fireplaces, chimineas, and fire pits under 3 feet in diameter. Open burning of yard waste is generally prohibited inside city limits under Shelby County Health Department air-quality rules.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/1373/Air-Quality) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Propane Storage

Residential propane storage in Memphis is governed by the Memphis Fire Department under the Tennessee-adopted International Fire Code, with cylinder size, placement, and exchange-cabinet rules enforced by MFD inspectors and Memphis Code Enforcement.

Key details: Code basis: International Fire Code. Permit issuer: Memphis Fire Department. Indoor storage: Prohibited above limits. State coordination: TN State Fire Marshal.

Stop-use orders, MFD fire-prevention citations, civil penalties through Environmental Court, and required removal of non-compliant cylinders from residential structures or unsafe outdoor locations.

Compared to other cities, Memphis takes a harder line on propane storage. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Smoke Detectors

Memphis requires working smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on every floor of all residential properties. Rental units must have hardwired or 10-year sealed-battery alarms, and landlords are responsible for installation with tenants responsible for ongoing battery replacement.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Memphis code enforcement](https://www.capitol.tn.gov/legislation) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Compared to other cities, Memphis takes a harder line on smoke detectors. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Outdoor Burning

Open burning within Memphis city limits requires two permits: (1) Memphis Fire Department ($50 fee; $75 for 24-hr notice); (2) Shelby County Health Department Air Pollution Control Section. Governed by Memphis City Code §16-50. Burning prohibited on Code Orange air quality days or higher.

Key details: Permits Required: 2 — Fire Dept ($50) + SCHD Health Dept. Notice Required: 48 hours advance notice (Fire Dept). Air Quality: Prohibited on Code Orange or worse AQI days. Code: Memphis City Code §16-50 / TDEC Rule 1200-03-04.

Burning without permits: fines up to $25,000. All air quality violations enforced by SCHD Air Pollution Control.

Fire Pit Rules

Fire pits in Memphis must comply with fire prevention code Ch. 9-36 and TDEC open burning rules. Small fires (3 ft diameter, 2 ft high) must be at least 25 ft from structures; larger fires require 50 ft clearance.

Key details: Small Fire Distance: 25 ft from structures. Large Fire Distance: 50 ft from structures. Ordinance: Memphis Code Ch. 9-36. State Rule: TDEC 1200-03-04.

Burn ban violation: $50 to $500. Fire code violation: $100 to $500. Fire causing damage: criminal charges per TN Code §39-14-301.

Fireworks

Discharging fireworks within Memphis city limits is prohibited without a permit. While Tennessee state law (TCA §68-104-101) allows consumer fireworks, Memphis has exercised its local authority to ban discharge within city limits. Only licensed commercial-grade displays are permitted. Sparklers and Class C consumer items are technically legal under state law but discouraged.

Key details: Consumer Fireworks: Prohibited within city limits without permit. State Law: TCA §68-104-101 allows consumer fireworks. Local Override: Memphis bans discharge under local authority. Licensed Displays: Permitted with professional display permit.

Discharge without permit: fines $50 to several hundred dollars. Enforcement by Memphis Fire/Police.

Compared to other cities, Memphis takes a harder line on fireworks. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Memphis is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Memphis, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Memphis can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.