Fire pit rules in Washoe County, NV — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
In the Truckee Meadows Fire district, portable outdoor fireplaces must stay 15 feet from any structure or combustible material (exempt at one- and two-family homes). No permit is needed at homes, but seasonal fire restrictions often ban all open flame.
TMFPD applies the International Fire Code. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, patio units) must be used per manufacturer instructions and kept at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material, with an exception for one- and two-family dwellings (IFC 307.4.3). Recreational fire pits or rings are limited to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high and must be 25 feet from anything combustible (IFC 307.4.2/307.5). No permit is required at one-, two-, or multi-family dwellings. During the summer fire season TMFPD frequently issues restrictions that prohibit all open recreational and cooking fires except propane, electric, and pellet devices.
Violating an active fire restriction or the IFC clearance rules can result in a citation; escalated open-burning violations fall under Washoe County Air Quality and TMFPD abatement authority.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Washoe County's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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