Fire Pits & Backyard Fires
Fire Regulations
Rules for fire pits, chimineas, and recreational backyard fires, setback distances from structures, size and fuel limits, attendance requirements, and burn-ban days.
How Fire Pits & Backyard Fires Rules Differ by Place
Contra Costa County, CA: Fire: Backyard Fires
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard burning in unincorporated Contra Costa County is tightly limited: BAAQMD Regulation 5 prohibits burning yard waste, and recreational wood fires aren't among its allowed…
Daly City, CA: Backyard fire rules in Daly City
Heavy RestrictionsBackyard fires in chimineas, fire bowls, and portable fireplaces are allowed in Daly City under the adopted California Fire Code, but only burning clean fuels -- never rubbish or yard…
Lakewood, CA: Lakewood Bans Fire Pits in City Parks
Heavy RestrictionsLakewood outlaws portable fire pits, barbecues, grills and hibachis anywhere in a city park or recreation area. Section 4220(H) makes possessing one there a misdemeanor, drops to an…
Dothan, AL: Dothan Outdoor Fireplace and Fire Pit Rules
Few RestrictionsIn the City of Dothan, Sec. 38-32(g) of the Code of Ordinances allows outdoor fireplaces and outdoor heating containers at a residence without an open burning permit. The exemption…
Tuscaloosa, AL: Tuscaloosa Recreational Fire Pit Permit Exemption
Few RestrictionsTuscaloosa requires a city permit for open burning citywide, but Sec. 11-28(b)(1)c carves out fires for recreational or ceremonial purposes, so a backyard fire pit or bonfire does not…
Anchorage, AK: Anchorage Allows Backyard Fire Pits
Few RestrictionsAnchorage's Clean Air Ordinance exempts fires built for pleasure, cooking, or social purposes from its open-burning ban, covering backyard fire pits and barbecues without a permit…
Fire Pits & Backyard Fires Rules by State
Statewide law governs this topic in many states. Each entry links to that state's full page.
Florida
Few RestrictionsFlorida regulates outdoor recreational fires through the Florida Fire Prevention Code (NFPA 1), which applies uniformly statewide and preempts inconsistent local fire-code provisions.
Maine
Some RestrictionsMaine Forest Service rules under 12 MRS Chapter 805 exempt small recreational campfires under 3 feet in diameter on a non-combustible base from the burn-permit requirement, but the…
West Virginia
Some RestrictionsWest Virginia regulates outdoor recreational fires through forest fire season restrictions in Code Section 20-3-5 and the State Fire Code adopted by the State Fire Commission, which…
Cities & Counties with Fire Pits & Backyard Fires Rules
767 locations
Alabama
Arizona
California
Georgia
Other Fire Regulations Topics
Fireworks
Which types of consumer fireworks are legal, when they can be used, and the fines for setting off illegal fireworks.
Brush Clearance
Requirements to clear dry vegetation around your property for wildfire prevention, including deadlines and the distance you need to maintain.
Outdoor Burning
Rules for open flames outdoors including bonfires, yard waste burning, and cooking fires. Some cities ban all outdoor burning year-round.
Wildfire Zones
Special building and landscaping requirements for properties located in designated wildfire hazard areas or fire severity zones.
Smoke Detectors
Requirements for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in homes, including how many you need and where they must be installed.
Propane Storage
Limits on size and location of residential propane tanks, including setback distances from buildings, property lines, and ignition sources.