Carmel, IN Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

A backyard fire in Carmel is treated as a campfire under the City's burning ordinance and is permitted only for recreational or cooking purposes. The fire must satisfy all the same conditions that govern fire pits: a ground fire no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet by 2 feet within a non-combustible border, or a raised fire no larger than 5 feet by 5 feet by 5 feet in a vented non-combustible container with enclosed sides, a bottom, and a quarter-inch mesh cover. Only commercial fire-starters and untreated wood may be burned, never trash or treated lumber. Setbacks of 25 feet from combustible structures or objects, 100 feet from power lines, and 25 feet from a neighbor's combustibles apply. Wind must be between 5 and 15 mph. The fire must be monitored constantly from ignition to extinguishment, with extinguishing means on hand, and must be put out if it creates dense smoke, a health hazard, or a nuisance. Importantly, campfires are prohibited entirely at apartment complexes, mobile home parks, and residences with five or more units, and on streets, alleys, rights-of-way, sidewalks, and multi-use paths. This is consistent with the adopted Indiana Fire Code, which requires recreational fires to stay 25 feet from structures and be constantly attended.