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

If you live in Reading or are thinking about moving there, fire regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Reading has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of fire regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Fireworks

Consumer fireworks in Reading, PA are governed primarily by Pennsylvania Act 74 of 2022 (codified at 3 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 24, which repealed and replaced the Consumer Fireworks Act / Act 43 of 2017), and locally by Chapter 225 of the Reading Codified Ordinances together with Section 180-1407 amendments to IFC Section 5601. Fireworks may not be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure, and Reading City Council has elected to restrict hours of use to 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (extended to 1:00 a.m. on July 4 and December 31).

Key details: State Authority: Act 74 of 2022 / 3 Pa. C.S.A. Ch. 24. Setback from Structures: 150 ft (no exceptions). Hours of Use: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (until 1 a.m. on July 4 & Dec 31). Local Chapter: Reading Code Ch. 225. IFC Cross-Reference: Sec. 5601 (per Sec. 180-1407).

Violation of Act 74's setback or hours is a summary offense punishable by a fine of $100 to $500 under 3 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2407, with possible confiscation of the fireworks. Reading Chapter 225 carries a separate municipal fine, typically up to $1,000 per offense, plus restitution for any fire suppression response. Discharging fireworks while intoxicated, on public or another person's property without consent, or in a manner that causes a fire is a separate offense and may upgrade to a misdemeanor under 18 Pa. C.S.A. Sections 3301 (arson) or 5503 (disorderly conduct).

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

Brush Clearance

Reading has no California-style defensible-space program because Berks County is rated low overall wildfire risk. The city instead controls fire-fuel vegetation through Quality of Life Section 180-1203 (high grass, weeds, and plant growth) and the adopted International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) at Reading Chapter 180 Part 13. All premises must be kept free of weeds or plant growth exceeding 6 inches.

Key details: Maximum Vegetation Height: 6 inches. QOL Code Section: Sec. 180-1203 (QOL.004). Adopted IPMC: 2018 edition, Reading Ch. 180 Part 13. Berks Wildfire Risk: Low (USDA Forest Service). Enforcement: Property and Codes Enforcement 1-877-727-3234.

QOL.004 violations carry escalating administrative fines, typically starting at $50 and increasing to $300 or more for repeat offenders, plus cut-and-bill charges that become a municipal lien against the property. IPMC violations are enforced through the same Property and Codes Enforcement process and can also trigger refusal or revocation of the Rental Housing Permit for landlord-occupied parcels. Unpaid mowing liens bear interest and may be collected through tax sale.

Fire Pit Rules

Reading, PA (Berks County, population approximately 95,000) regulates residential fire pits through Chapter 180 Part 14 of the Codified Ordinances, which adopts the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) as the city's Fire Prevention Code with local amendments at Section 180-1407. Under IFC Section 307, recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material and portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from a structure.

Key details: Code Authority: Reading Codified Ordinances Chapter 180 Part 14 (2018 IFC). Adopting Ordinance: Ord. 40-2022. Recreational Fire Setback: 25 ft from structures/combustibles (IFC 307.4.2). Portable Outdoor Fireplace: 15 ft from a structure. Fuel Limit: 3 ft diameter / 2 ft height.

Violations of the adopted IFC are enforced by the Fire Marshal and Property and Codes Enforcement (1-877-727-3234). Under IFC 109 and Reading's general code penalty section, fines are typically $100 to $1,000 per offense plus the cost of fire suppression response if the Fire Department is dispatched. Each day a violation continues may be charged as a separate offense. An unattended or out-of-control fire can also trigger criminal liability under 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3301 (Arson and related offenses) if property damage results.

Outdoor Burning

Reading restricts open burning through Chapter 237 of the Codified Ordinances, the 2018 IFC adopted in Chapter 180 Part 14, and statewide air-quality rules at 25 Pa. Code Section 129.14. Burning of leaves, yard waste, household garbage, treated wood, plastic and tires is prohibited. Only IFC-307-compliant recreational fires (seasoned wood, 25-foot setback, attended) and approved cooking fires are allowed.

Key details: Local Code: Reading Ch. 237 Fire Prevention + Ch. 180 Part 14 (2018 IFC). State Authority: 25 Pa. Code Sec. 129.14. Refuse Burning: Prohibited (leaves, trash, demo debris). Permit Authority: Reading Fire Marshal (610) 655-6286. PADEP Max Penalty: Up to $25,000/day (35 P.S. Sec. 4009).

Violations of Chapter 237 and Chapter 180 Part 14 are enforced by the Fire Marshal under IFC 109; typical fines are $100 to $1,000 per offense plus suppression cost recovery if the Fire Department is dispatched. PADEP can separately assess civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation under the Air Pollution Control Act (35 P.S. Section 4009). Recklessly causing a fire that damages property or risks life is also a criminal offense (arson, 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3301).

Compared to other cities, Reading takes a harder line on outdoor burning. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Wildfire Zones

Reading, PA does not have a city-designated Wildfire Hazard Severity Zone. Pennsylvania has not adopted IFC Chapter 49 (Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Areas) statewide, and Reading has not adopted it locally through Section 180-1407. Berks County is rated low overall wildfire risk by the USDA Forest Service, though about 60 percent of Pennsylvania homes sit within the wildland-urban interface boundary mapped by DCNR.

Key details: WHSZ Adopted: No (not adopted in PA or Reading). IFC Ch. 49 Adopted: No (not in Reading Sec. 180-1407). Berks County Wildfire Risk: Low (USDA Forest Service). WUI Home Coverage Statewide: Approx. 60% (PA DCNR). Primary State Authority: PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry.

Because there is no adopted WHSZ in Reading or Pennsylvania broadly, there are no wildfire-zone-specific violations or fines. Underlying open-burning, vegetation, and IFC requirements are still enforced by the Fire Marshal and Property and Codes Enforcement, and PADEP can assess civil penalties up to $25,000 per day under the Air Pollution Control Act for unauthorized burning during high-risk periods.

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

Propane Storage

Propane (LP-gas) storage in Reading is regulated through the 2018 International Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases), adopted by Reading Chapter 180 Part 14, and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code Chapters 401-405). Residential cylinders larger than 1 pound require permits when aggregate storage exceeds the IFC threshold; NFPA 58 (the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code) is referenced through IFC 6101.2 for tank setbacks.

Key details: Code Authority: Reading Ch. 180 Part 14 (2018 IFC Ch. 61). Referenced Standard: NFPA 58 LP-Gas Code. Residential Aggregate Limit: 500 lb water capacity (R-3). 125-gal Tank Setback: 10 ft from building & 10 ft property line. Balcony Cylinder Limit: Single 20-lb cylinder (multifamily).

Failure to obtain a required IFC operational permit, exceeding the 500-pound aggregate residential limit, or violating NFPA 58 setbacks are IFC violations enforced by the Reading Fire Marshal. Fines under IFC 109 and Reading's general penalty section typically range from $100 to $1,000 per day per violation, and tanks installed without permits may be ordered removed at the owner's expense. State licensing violations carry additional Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry penalties under 35 P.S. Section 1329.3.

The Bottom Line

Reading is tougher than many cities when it comes to fire regulations. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Reading, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Reading's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.