Allentown, PA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Allentown, PA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes - Campfire permit + pre-lighting inspection ($50)
- Setback
- 25 feet minimum from any structure
- Max size
- 3 ft diameter, 2 ft height
- Frequency / duration
- 1 permit per month per property; 3-hour burn limit
Summary
The City of Allentown treats a backyard fire pit as a campfire, which requires a permit and a pre-lighting inspection by the Fire Prevention Office. The fire may be in an approved open container or on the ground, must sit at least 25 feet from any structure, and the pile may not exceed 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height. Only one burning permit per month per property is allowed and burn time is capped at three hours.
The City of Allentown regulations on a specific type of outdoor burning. Campfires require a permit and inspection before lighting. The fire may be in an approved open container or on the ground. A maximum of one (1) burning permit is allowed per month, per property unless authorized by the Fire Chief. Burn time is limited to three (3) hours unless authorized by the Fire Chief. The regulations below must be followed. 1. Location of fire to be a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet from any structure. 2. Campfires must be kept to campfire-type size. Per code the maximum pile diameter shall be three (3) feet and the maximum pile height shall be two (2) feet. 3. Flammable liquids shall not be used to ignite fire. Tinder to be paper and light wood. 4. Dry wood only should be used. No garbage, rubbish, trash, rubber, plastic, leather or petroleum-based material should be used.
Full Breakdown
Allentown does not allow unpermitted open recreational fires. ' Only dry wood may be burned (no garbage, rubbish, trash, rubber, plastic, leather, or petroleum-based material), flammable liquids may not be used to ignite the fire, dry grass must be cleared or wetted down, and a method of extinguishment such as a water hose must be on hand. The permit applicant or a representative must remain until the fire is totally extinguished, and the fire official may cancel the fire under heavy winds or dry conditions. 00.
Violations & Fines
A fire pit lit without the required campfire permit and pre-lighting inspection is unlawful open burning. The fire official may cancel or order the fire extinguished under adverse conditions, and burning prohibited materials (trash, plastic, leaves) violates both the permit conditions and PA DEP open-burning rules (25 Pa. Code 129.14).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Allentown?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allentown
How Allentown compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Allentown to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview
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