Fire Regulations in Washington, DC (2026)
8 verified fire regulations for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Pit Rules
Residential fire pits in DC are heavily restricted due to the open burning prohibition under 20 DCMR 604.1. Only recreational cooking fires at ground level with proper clearance from buildings are permitted. Open-flame devices must be at least 10 feet from any building under 12-H DCMR 308.1.4.
Washington DC Fire Pit Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsFireworks
Most fireworks are illegal in Washington DC under 12-H DCMR 5601/5609. Only limited novelty items such as sparklers under 20 inches, fountains, and paper caps are permitted. Possession of illegal fireworks carries a minimum $2,000 fine.
Washington DC Fireworks Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsBrush Clearance
DC does not have wildfire defensible-space rules but requires owners to keep grass and weeds under ten inches and to remove dead vegetation that could spread fire, under DC Code 8-1308 property maintenance provisions.
DC vegetation and weed clearance for fire safety
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Burning
Open burning is prohibited in DC under 20 DCMR 604.1. Exceptions exist only for firefighter training, recreational cooking, and approved worker heating devices. Charcoal grills are banned on balconies and within 10 feet of buildings under 12-H DCMR 308.1.4.
Washington DC Outdoor Burning Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildfire Zones
Washington DC has no formal wildfire hazard zones. The District is fully urbanized with limited wildland interface, and fire risk is governed by standard International Fire Code adoption rather than wildland-urban interface rules.
Fire: Wildfire Zones
Few RestrictionsSmoke Detectors
DC requires interconnected smoke alarms on every level and outside each sleeping area under the DC Construction Codes. Rentals must have 10-year sealed lithium-battery alarms per DC Law 20-206.
Fire: Smoke Detectors
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard Fires
DC prohibits open burning of yard waste, trash, and recreational bonfires citywide under DCMR Title 20 Chapter 6. Only small contained cooking fires (grills, chimineas on noncombustible surfaces) are allowed on private property.
Fire: Backyard Fires
Heavy RestrictionsPropane Storage
DC limits propane cylinder storage on residential properties under the DC Fire Code, generally allowing two 20-pound grill cylinders outdoors and prohibiting indoor storage of LPG except for very small permitted appliances.
DC propane and LPG storage rules for homes
Some RestrictionsLooking for District of Columbia county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Washington city rules.
Fire Regulations in District of Columbia →