Fire Regulations in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
4 verified fire regulations for Indianapolis, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Residents of single- or double-family dwellings may burn only dried limbs, twigs and branches (not leaves) that originate on their own or contiguous property, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., in a vented noncombustible container with a 1/4-inch mesh cover located more than 15 feet from any structure, under Marion County Revised Code Sec. 511-703(6).
Backyard burning of limbs, twigs and branches
Some RestrictionsIndianapolis/Marion County Revised Code Sec. 511-703(6) (Code 1975, sec. 4-73)
(6) Limbs, twigs, and branches. Residents of single- or double-family dwellings located on one (1) or more residential lots shall be allowed to burn only dried limbs, twigs and branches (but not leaves) originating on their or contiguous premises, but only between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Burning shall be more than fifteen (15) feet from any structure, in a noncombustible container...
Fireworks
It is unlawful to use, ignite or discharge consumer fireworks anywhere in the consolidated city except during the dates and hours set by Marion County Revised Code Sec. 407-201 - chiefly June 28-July 3 and July 5-9 (5 p.m. to two hours after sunset), July 4 (10 a.m. to midnight), and New Year's Eve into Jan. 1. The local ordinance restricts the broader year-round window Indiana otherwise permits under IC 22-11-14.
Consumer fireworks limited to set holiday dates and hours
Some RestrictionsIndianapolis/Marion County Revised Code Sec. 407-201
It shall be unlawful for any person to use, ignite, or discharge any consumer fireworks at any place in the consolidated city, except during the following times: June 28 through July 3 and July 5 through July 9, between 5:00 p.m. and two hours after sunset; July 4, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight; and between 10:00 a.m. on December 31 and 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
Outdoor Burning
It is unlawful to cause, suffer or allow any open burning anywhere in Marion County except the limited purposes permitted by Sec. 511-703 through 511-706, and even permitted wood burning may not be done so as to cause annoyance or constitute a nuisance, under Marion County Revised Code Sec. 511-702.
Open burning prohibited except limited exceptions
Heavy RestrictionsIndianapolis/Marion County Revised Code Sec. 511-702 (Code 1975, sec. 4-71)
Sec. 511-702. Open burning restricted; general prohibitions. It shall be unlawful at all times to cause, suffer or allow any open burning at any place within Marion County except as permitted by sections 511-703 through 511-706; provided, no person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the emission into the atmosphere of any substance or combination of substances from the burning of wood product...
Smoke Detectors
Indianapolis/Marion County Revised Code Sec. 591-421 (Chapter 591, Fire Prevention and Protection) and Indiana Code 22-11-18-3.5 require at least one functional smoke detector in every dwelling - placed outside each sleeping area, on the ceiling or high on a wall (4 to 12 inches from the ceiling), and on each additional story including basements. Owners, managers and rental agents are responsible for installation, repair and replacement.
Smoke detectors required in every dwelling
Some RestrictionsMarion County Revised Code Sec. 591-421; Ind. Code 22-11-18-3.5
A dwelling must have at least one (1) functional smoke detector installed... outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and cellars.