Arlington County, VA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Arlington County, VA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permanent outdoor fireplaces/BBQs
- Permitted, § 307.4.4
- Allowed fuel
- Seasoned dry firewood, charcoal only
- Banned fuel
- Treated wood, leaves, rubbish, paper
- Endangerment standard
- No fire that endangers others, § 307.6
- Enforcing agency
- Arlington County Fire Marshal's Office
Summary
Arlington County allows permanently built outdoor fireplaces, bar-b-ques, and recreational fires under the Fire Prevention Code, but limits fuel to seasoned dry firewood, charcoal, or similar clean-burning material and bars fires that endanger people or property.
307.4.4 Permanently constructed outdoor fireplaces and bar-b-ques. Permanently constructed outdoor fireplaces and bar-b-ques shall be permitted, installed, and maintained in accordance with the applicable building code. 307.6 Endangering other persons or property. No person shall kindle, authorize to be kindled or maintain any permitted fire in such a manner that could endanger the person or property of another. 307.8 Allowable fuels. Only seasoned dry firewood, charcoal, or similar clean burning materials shall be permitted as solid fuel for outdoor warming fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, and recreational fires. Treated wood, land clearing waste, leaves, yard waste, rubbish, furniture, paper, or refuse shall not be used as fuel.
Full Breakdown
4 of the Arlington County Fire Prevention Code permits permanently constructed outdoor fireplaces and bar-b-ques, provided they are installed and maintained in accordance with the applicable building code, so an in-ground or masonry fire pit needs to meet building-code installation standards rather than just fire-code rules. 8 restricts recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, and outdoor warming fires to only seasoned dry firewood, charcoal, or similar clean-burning materials; it expressly bars treated wood, land-clearing waste, leaves, yard waste, rubbish, furniture, and paper as fuel. 7 separately prohibits maliciously, carelessly, or negligently setting or causing a fire to burn real or personal property. 6, rather than from a fixed number stated in this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Using prohibited fuel such as leaves, rubbish, paper, or treated wood in a recreational fire, or maintaining a fire pit or outdoor fireplace in a way that endangers neighboring persons or property, violates §§ 307.6 through 307.8 of the Fire Prevention Code and is enforced by the Arlington County Fire Marshal's Office, which can order the fire extinguished and cite the responsible party for careless or negligent burning under § 307.7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I burn in my backyard fire pit in Arlington County?
Do I need a permit for a permanent backyard fireplace?
Can neighbors complain about smoke from my fire pit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington County
How Arlington County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Arlington County to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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