Small backyard recreational fires are allowed in Allegheny County under ACHD Article XXI provided they are contained, burn only clean wood, stay under 3 feet in diameter, and do not create a smoke nuisance. Leaf and yard-waste fires are prohibited countywide.
ACHD recognizes a recreational fire exception to the open-burning ban: a fire under 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet tall, burning only clean, dry, seasoned wood or charcoal, in an approved receptacle or pit, attended at all times. Cooking fires and manufactured portable fire pits (propane or wood) are permitted. Fires that create a smoke nuisance for neighbors can be shut down by ACHD inspectors even if otherwise compliant. Municipalities may layer additional setback and time-of-day rules. Burning of leaves, grass, brush, construction debris, paper, or trash is always prohibited.
ACHD nuisance abatement orders and fines $100-$2,500 per day. Municipal citations add local fines. Refusal to extinguish when ordered may trigger police response.
See how Allegheny County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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