Fire Regulations in Erie, PA (2026)
5 verified fire regulations for Erie, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Erie permits recreational backyard fires of seasoned firewood between 5 pm and 11 pm Monday-Thursday and 5 pm to midnight on weekends and federal holidays, kept 25 feet from any structure. Bonfires require a permit from the fire code official and must stay 50 feet from structures unless contained in a barbecue pit.
Recreational fires OK 5-11pm; bonfires need permit
Some RestrictionsErie Fire Code (International Fire Code) Section 307.2, 307.4.1, 307.4.2
307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.6 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. ... 307.4.1 Bonfires. A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a structure or combustible material unless the ...
Fireworks
Pennsylvania Act 74 of 2022 (3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11) preempts local fireworks bans and legalizes consumer fireworks statewide for anyone 18 or older. They may not be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure or vehicle, on public/private property without the owner's permission, or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Erie has no separate ordinance further restricting consumer fireworks.
Consumer fireworks legal but 150 ft from buildings
Some RestrictionsPA Act 74 of 2022, 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 11 (per PA State Police Fireworks FAQ)
Anyone over the age of 18 years can purchase, possess and use consumer fireworks. ... Consumer fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle regardless if the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks. ... Consumer fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner. ... Consu...
Outdoor Burning
Burning garbage, recyclable materials, leaf waste, or grass clippings is unlawful in the City of Erie at all times under Quality of Life ordinance item QOL-31. Open burning is also prohibited whenever atmospheric conditions make fires hazardous or winds gust to or are sustained at 10 mph. Because the City of Erie lies within the state-designated Erie air basin (25 Pa. Code 121.1), stricter air-quality burning limits apply.
No burning trash, leaves or grass; QOL-31 fines
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Erie Quality of Life Ordinance item QOL-31; Erie Fire Code (IFC) Section 307.1.1
QOL-31. Illegal burning. It shall be unlawful for any person to burn recyclable materials, leaf waste or grass clippings at any time in bonfires or rubbish fires. Recreational fires, as permitted, shall not be included as a violation of this Ordinance. ... 307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Smoke Detectors
Erie's Quality of Life Ordinance requires working smoke alarms in every occupied dwelling and structure citywide. Violations are cited as QOL-30 and draw a flat $100 fine per offense, enforced by any Public Officer authorized under Article 1129.
Erie Smoke Alarm Rule: QOL-30, $100 Fine
Some RestrictionsCodified Ordinances of the City of Erie, PA, Article 1129, § 1129.03 (QOL-30)
QOL-30. Smoke Detectors. Smoke alarms must be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications in all occupied dwellings and structures in the City of Erie.
Propane Storage
Erie's Uniform Construction Code carves out propane gas installations entirely: tubing, piping, propane-burning appliances and LP-gas fixtures are exempt from the City's building permit process and instead fall under the Commonwealth's Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act, per City Code Section 1503.11(b)(6). No City building permit or Building Code Official inspection covers the propane installation itself.
Propane Storage Follows PA Act, Not City Code
Few RestrictionsCity of Erie Codified Ordinances § 1503.11(b)(6) (Scope)
(b) The Uniform Construction Code does not apply to: ... (6) Installation of tubing, piping, propane gas burning appliances, equipment or fixtures related to liquefied petroleum gas under the propane and liquefied petroleum gas act (35 P.S. §§ 1329.1-1329.19).