Springdale's Fire Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fire regulations a little differently. In Springdale, Arkansas, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Outdoor Burning

Outdoor burning inside Springdale requires a permit from the fire department, must stay 50 feet from any building, and can't include plastics, rubber, shingles, or other black-smoke-producing debris.

Key details: Permit source: Fire Station 1, weekdays. Minimum distance: 50 feet from any building. Prohibited fuel: Plastics, rubber, shingles, debris. Deadline to extinguish: Completely out by dark.

Burning without a permit, burning within 50 feet of a building without an approved variance, or burning prohibited materials like plastics or shingles is unlawful under § 46-1, punishable under the general penalty section, § 1-9.

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Springdale allows outdoor cooking and recreational fires without a burn permit as long as the fuel area stays 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height, and the fire is contained and attended.

Key details: Permit needed: None, if within size limit. Max fuel area: 3 ft diameter, 2 ft high. Must be attended: At all times. Extinguisher required: On hand at the fire.

An unpermitted fire that exceeds the 3-foot diameter/2-foot height limit, is left unattended, or lacks extinguishing equipment on hand is treated as unlawful open burning under § 46-1, punishable under § 1-9.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Springdale gives residents more flexibility on fire pits & backyard fires.

Smoke Detectors

Springdale's fire prevention code requires smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every story of a dwelling, including basements, under Sec. 91-170.

Key details: Locations required: Every bedroom, hallway, and story. Power source: Building wiring plus battery backup. Interconnection: One alarm triggers all alarms. Citation: Springdale Code of Ordinances § 91-170.

Missing or nonfunctional alarms in a required location are enforced under the city's general fire-code penalty provisions, subject to correction orders and fines under Sec. 1-9, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Springdale'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 Springdale is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Springdale's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.