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CityRuleLookup

Fire Regulations

Fire pit rules, fireworks, brush clearance, and outdoor burning regulations.

Ask a city what its fire rules are and the honest answer is usually "the fire code we adopted, as amended." The International Fire Code or a state equivalent does the heavy lifting; the city's real contribution is the amendment ordinance that tightens, deletes, or adds to it. That structure trips up research, because a burn ban or fire-pit setback may live in an amendment the code publisher never printed.

Open burning is permit-only or prohibited nearly everywhere. Recreational fires get more room, within size and setback limits, until a red-flag day suspends everything. Questions go to the fire marshal, not code enforcement.

All 50 States: Fire Regulations at the State Level

Each tile shows the strongest state-level rule for that state. Click a state to see its full statewide rules and how local cities are constrained.

Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions

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What's Covered

Fire Pits & Backyard Fires

Rules for fire pits, chimineas, and recreational backyard fires, setback distances from structures, size and fuel limits, attendance requirements, and burn-ban days.

Fireworks

Which types of consumer fireworks are legal, when they can be used, and the fines for setting off illegal fireworks.

Brush Clearance

Requirements to clear dry vegetation around your property for wildfire prevention, including deadlines and the distance you need to maintain.

Outdoor Burning

Rules for open flames outdoors including bonfires, yard waste burning, and cooking fires. Some cities ban all outdoor burning year-round.

Wildfire Zones

Special building and landscaping requirements for properties located in designated wildfire hazard areas or fire severity zones.

Smoke Detectors

Requirements for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in homes, including how many you need and where they must be installed.

Propane Storage

Limits on size and location of residential propane tanks, including setback distances from buildings, property lines, and ignition sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about fire regulations in the United States.

Are fire pits legal in residential areas?
Many cities allow fire pits in residential yards, but they usually must meet setback, size, and fuel-type requirements. Some areas ban open flames entirely during fire season or under Red Flag conditions. Look up your city's rules →
Do I need a permit for a fire pit?
Permit requirements vary widely. Some cities require a permit for any permanent fire feature, while others exempt portable fire pits under a certain diameter. Propane and natural gas fire pits often have different rules than wood-burning ones. Look up your city's rules →
Can I set off fireworks in my city?
Fireworks laws differ drastically by state and city. Some areas permit "safe and sane" fireworks around the Fourth of July, while others ban all consumer fireworks year-round. Penalties for illegal fireworks can include heavy fines. Look up your city's rules →
What are typical outdoor burning restrictions?
Most cities restrict open burning of yard waste, trash, and debris. Recreational fires in approved containers may be allowed, but burn permits are often required for larger burns. Air quality districts may impose additional no-burn days. Look up your city's rules →
What is a burn ban and when does it apply?
A burn ban is a temporary prohibition on outdoor fires issued during periods of high fire danger, drought, or poor air quality. Burn bans can apply to recreational fires, agricultural burns, and sometimes charcoal grills. Look up your city's rules →