Auburn, AL Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

The City of Auburn Fire Department distinguishes contained backyard fires from open debris fires. Per the official burn-permit page, no permit is needed for a fire contained inside a device manufactured for cooking (grills, smokers, BBQ pits, pizza ovens) or for heating (devices burning wood, vegetation, coal, propane, kerosene, or fuel oil - e.g., construction heaters, patio heaters, chimineas, fireplaces). So a typical store-bought backyard fire pit or chiminea used for warmth is allowed without a permit. By contrast, an uncontained fire - a burn barrel, ground fire pit, bonfire, or a recreational fire used to dispose of debris - requires a free burn permit and a site inspection. Those permitted open fires must be 500 feet from the nearest occupied dwelling (other than the one on the property), run only 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. with nothing added after 3 p.m., burn only natural vegetation and untreated wood, be attended continuously, be fully extinguished daily, and may not occur during overcast, rain, drought, or extremely dry conditions. Whichever category your fire falls in, the Auburn Fire Department retains authority to impose additional conditions or order any fire extinguished if conditions are hazardous. Always keep fires a safe distance from structures, fences, and overhanging trees and have water or an extinguisher ready.