Montgomery County Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires Rules (2026)

Montgomery County allows recreational fires in approved containers such as manufactured fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces under the Maryland Fire Prevention Code as adopted locally. Recreational fires must be contained in a non-combustible vessel, maintain a minimum 15-foot clearance from structures, fences, and overhanging branches, and burn only clean dry wood, charcoal, or manufactured fire logs. Burning of yard waste, leaves, trash, cardboard, treated or painted wood, and construction debris in fire pits is prohibited. Fires must be attended at all times by a competent adult with a means to extinguish immediately available (garden hose or fire extinguisher). The fire must be fully extinguished before being left unattended. MCFRS may impose temporary burn restrictions during drought conditions or air quality action days declared by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted without additional restrictions beyond setback requirements. Cooking fires using charcoal or gas grills follow similar setback requirements. HOAs in communities throughout Bethesda, Potomac, and Germantown may impose additional restrictions or prohibitions on outdoor fires.