Tuscaloosa, AL Fire Regulations: Backyard Fires (2026)

Tuscaloosa distinguishes between small recreational/ceremonial fires and larger bonfires. Under Tuscaloosa Code Section 11-28(b)(1)(c), fires for recreational or ceremonial purposes are exempt from the city's open-burning permit requirement, as are cooking fires. So a contained backyard campfire or fire pit does not need a permit. Safety standards come from the adopted 2021 International Fire Code (Section 11-20). IFC Section 307.4.2 requires recreational fires to be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; the fuel area must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. IFC Section 307.5 requires the fire to be constantly attended until extinguished, with a portable fire extinguisher (4-A minimum), garden hose, dirt, sand, or other approved means on site. Bonfires are treated differently. Tuscaloosa's fire-code amendment in Section 11-21(k) redefines a BONFIRE as 'an outdoor fire utilized for ceremonial and entertainment purposes,' and IFC Section 307.4.1 requires bonfires to be at least 50 feet from a structure or combustible material; bonfires also generally require a permit from the fire code official. Tuscaloosa Fire Prevention (205-248-5420) issues bonfire permits. For any backyard fire, burn only clean, dry firewood, keep it small and attended, never burn during a no-burn advisory or high winds, and keep extinguishing equipment ready.