Fire Regulations in Pittsburgh, PA (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Recreational fire pits using clean-burning fuel (wood, propane, natural gas) are permitted in Pittsburgh under ACHD rules. Fires must be at least 15 feet from structures, neighboring properties, and public access areas. Fires must be extinguished by midnight. Earthen pits and burn barrels are not approved containers.
Pittsburgh Fire Pit Rules
Some RestrictionsFireworks
PA Act 74 of 2022 allows consumer fireworks for residents 18+. Pittsburgh follows state law: consumer fireworks legal but must be 150 feet from any occupied structure. Municipalities may restrict hours to 10 PM–10 AM (except July 4 and Dec 31 until 1 AM). Large displays require city permit and fire dept. inspection.
Pittsburgh Fireworks Regulations
Some RestrictionsBrush Clearance
Pittsburgh has no wildfire-specific brush clearance rules. Property owners must keep yards free of excessive vegetation and debris under the IPMC property maintenance code.
Fire: Brush Clearance
Few RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) regulations prohibit most open burning in Pittsburgh and surrounding municipalities. Only clean wood, propane, or natural gas may be burned with negligible air contaminant contribution. Permitted ACHD exceptions: ceremonies, disease management, firefighting training.
Pittsburgh Outdoor Burning Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Pittsburgh has no wildfire hazard zones or WUI designation. Allegheny County is classified as low wildfire risk by PA DCNR. Standard fire prevention codes apply citywide.
Fire: Wildfire Zones
Few RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
Pittsburgh requires interconnected smoke alarms on every level, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. CO alarms are required near fuel-burning appliances and attached garages under the PA UCC.
Fire: Smoke Detectors
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard Fires
Pittsburgh backyard fires are limited to 3x3x2 feet, at least 15 feet from structures, burning only clean wood or gas. All fires banned on ACHD Air Quality Action Days.
Fire: Backyard Fires
Heavy RestrictionsPropane Storage
Pittsburgh follows the International Fire Code and NFPA 58 as adopted under Pennsylvania UCC, capping residential propane cylinder storage and requiring permits for larger tanks, with Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire enforcing on-site.
Pittsburgh Residential Propane Storage Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Allegheny County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pittsburgh city rules.
Fire Regulations in Allegheny County →