Fire pit rules in Bozeman, MT — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Recreational fires in a fire pit do not require a burn permit in Bozeman, but the fire must be for recreational purposes and contained. Bozeman limits a recreational fire to less than 36 inches in diameter (tighter than the 48-inch general standard), and all recreational fires are suspended during emergency burn bans.
Bozeman treats backyard recreational fires differently from open burning. A recreational fire - a small fire for warmth, cooking, or ambiance contained in a fire pit, ring, or similar structure - does not need a Gallatin County burn permit. However, Bozeman applies a stricter size limit than the regional default: a recreational fire in the city must be less than 36 inches in diameter, versus the 48-inch standard used elsewhere in the area. The fire must be attended, contained, and burning only clean, dry firewood (not yard debris or prohibited materials). The most important caveat is fire danger: during the emergency burn bans the Bozeman Fire Chief has imposed in high-risk summers, even recreational fire pits - and sometimes charcoal grills - are prohibited inside city limits. Gas and propane appliances with a shutoff are generally allowed even during many restrictions, but residents should confirm the current restriction stage before lighting a wood fire.
Operating an oversized or unattended recreational fire, or having any wood fire during an emergency burn ban, can result in fire-code citations and liability if the fire escapes. The Bozeman Fire Department and Police enforce recreational-fire rules and active burn restrictions.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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