A backyard recreational fire in Allentown needs a permit and must stay at least 25 feet from any structure. No flammable liquids may be used to start it, and someone must remain until the fire is completely extinguished, with a hose or other means of extinguishment ready.
Backyard fires are regulated by your municipality, not Lehigh County. Allentown's campfire regulations (Codified Ord. Ch. 285) require a permit, a 25-foot setback from structures, and campfire-size limits. Flammable liquids may never be used to ignite the fire - only paper and light wood as tinder. The person authorized for the fire, or their representative, must remain on site until the fire is totally extinguished, and must provide a means to put it out such as a garden hose. The fire official may cancel a fire during heavy winds or dry conditions. Boroughs and townships apply the International Fire Code's comparable 25-foot recreational-fire rule.
Leaving a fire unattended, using accelerants, or burning too close to a structure can be ordered extinguished and cited; the responsible party is liable for any resulting fire spread or damage.
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See how Lehigh County's backyard fires rules stack up against other locations.
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