Idaho Falls, ID Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Under the Idaho Falls Fire Department's outdoor-fire guidance (applying the City's adopted 2018 International Fire Code, City Code 7-10-1), a backyard recreational fire is permitted inside City limits when weather conditions and air quality permit. The total fuel area must not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, and the fire may be used only for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. It must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material (15 feet for an approved portable outdoor fireplace), and conditions that could spread the fire within 25 feet must be eliminated before ignition. The fire must be constantly attended until fully extinguished, with at least one 4-A-rated portable fire extinguisher or other extinguishing method available for immediate use. What you may NOT do in your backyard: burn leaves, trash, construction debris or yard cleanup (illegal inside City limits), and burn barrels are strictly prohibited with no permits available. A backyard fire bigger than 3 ft x 2 ft becomes a 'bonfire' requiring a Fire Code Operational Permit. Even a compliant fire may be extinguished if it produces a significant smoke hazard from wet or unclean burning wood.