Fire Regulations in Columbus, IN (2026)
4 verified fire regulations for Columbus, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Recreational and cooking fires in the City of Columbus, Indiana need no prior approval from the Fire Chief, but section 8.12.125 sets firm conditions. Only natural wood or plant material can burn, a fire in an approved container must stay fifteen feet from a structure or property line, and a fire outside a container needs twenty-five feet.
Recreational Fire and Fire Pit Rules, Columbus, Indiana
Some RestrictionsColumbus Municipal Code § 8.12.125
B. The following types of fire are allowed without prior approval of the Fire Chief or his/her designee: 1. Fires used for recreational or cooking purposes. ... C. Fires authorized in division B.1. above shall be subject to the following: 1. Only natural wood or plant material shall be burned; 2. Fires in approved containers shall be no closer than fifteen feet of a structure or property line; ...
Fireworks
Consumer fireworks may be used inside the corporate limits of the City of Columbus, Indiana only in set windows under section 8.12.190: evenings from June 29 through July 9 (except July 4), all day on July 4 and December 31, and a six to ten p.m. window around Diwali. If state hours conflict, the state statute controls.
Consumer Fireworks Use Hours, Columbus, Indiana
Some RestrictionsColumbus Municipal Code § 8.12.190
A. Pursuant to I.C. 22-11-14-6(d), I.C. 22-11-14-10.5, and this chapter, consumer fireworks may only be used in the City of Columbus. Indiana, corporate limits during the days and times listed below: 1. Between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and two hours after sunset on June 29 through July 3 and July 5 through July 9, however, regardless of what time sunset occurs, no later than 11:00 p.m.; 2. Betwee...
Outdoor Burning
In the City of Columbus, Indiana, the Fire Chief can prohibit every type of outside burning whenever local conditions make a fire hazardous. Section 8.12.120 also bars anyone from kindling a fire or burning leaves, trash, debris or tree limbs on streets, alleys, public grounds or private land, except as section 8.12.125 allows.
Open Burning Ban and Fire Chief Authority, Columbus, Indiana
Significant RestrictionsColumbus Municipal Code § 8.12.120
A. The Fire Chief is empowered to prohibit any and all types of outside burnings whenever local conditions or circumstances make such fire hazardous. B. No person shall kindle or maintain any fire, or burn leaves, trash, rubbish, debris, garbage, construction materials, tree limbs, shrubbery trimmings or dangerous materials or dispose of same by burning or shall knowingly furnish the materials ...
Smoke Detectors
Every dwelling unit, dwelling, apartment house and lodging house in the City of Columbus, Indiana must contain an approved, properly functioning smoke detector installed under Chapter 8.16. Owners handle installation and replacement in rentals, tenants handle ongoing upkeep, and the fire prevention bureau investigates complaints and issues citations.
Smoke Detector Requirements, Columbus, Indiana
Some RestrictionsColumbus Municipal Code § 8.16.020
A. Smoke detectors shall be required in certain structures: Every dwelling unit, dwelling, apartment house or lodging house shall contain an approved and properly functioning smoke detector installed in accordance with Section 8.16.030. B. The owner of each dwelling unit, dwelling, apartment house or lodging house shall install smoke detectors as required by this chapter within ninety days from...
Looking for Bartholomew County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.
Fire Regulations in Bartholomew County →