Bethlehem, PA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Bethlehem regulates outdoor residential fire through Article 1501 of the Codified Ordinances (Fire Safety and Code Enforcement Inspection Fees), most recently restated and re-enacted by Ordinance 2022-15, passed August 2, 2022. Section 1501.04 adopts the 2018 International Fire Code in its entirety as part of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code pursuant to 34 Pa. Code Section 403.21(a)(8). Section 1501.05 then strips the IFC of the carve-out that would otherwise permit small wood recreational fires. Specifically, Section 1501.05(p) deletes the words 'recreational fires' from the IFC's open-burning exemption, Section 1501.05(q) deletes the 25-foot exception that previously allowed small piles, and Section 1501.05(r) replaces IFC Section 307.4.2 with the single sentence: 'Recreational fires are prohibited.' This is unusual: most Pennsylvania jurisdictions keep the 25-foot setback recreational-fire allowance. In Bethlehem, the only legal outdoor open flame on a residential lot is a portable outdoor fireplace (a UL-listed enclosed metal chiminea-style device with a spark screen) used 'where approved' by the Fire Marshal under amended Section 307.4.3, with a 25-foot setback from any structure and 15-foot setback from any combustible material. Section 1501.05(t) requires a dedicated fire-watch person to remain on the premises for a minimum of one hour after the fire is extinguished, with a 4-A portable fire extinguisher or other approved equipment (dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose) on hand. Cooking on a residential barbecue grill is not 'open burning' under IFC 307.1 and is allowed without permit. Statewide air-quality rules at 25 Pa. Code Section 129.14 (Air Pollution Control Act) separately prohibit burning leaves, yard waste, treated wood, household trash, plastic and tires. The Fire Code Official (interchangeable with the Fire Marshal under Section 1501.05(o)) administers Article 1501 from the Bethlehem Fire Department, 10 East Church Street.