Collierville, TN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

The fire pit rules sit in § 91.15(B), where Collierville amends Section 307 of the 2018 International Fire Code. Section 307.1.1 prohibits open burning in the Town Limits, but exceptions 4 and 5 carve out recreational fires under Section 307.4.2 and portable or fixed outdoor fireplaces under Section 307.4.3. The Town deletes Section 307.4.1 Bonfires entirely.

For a recreational fire, Section 307.4.2 requires a distance of 25 feet from a structure or combustible material, and conditions that could carry a fire within 25 feet of a structure must be eliminated before ignition. Four conditions follow. The fire cannot burn if atmospheric conditions are not favorable, and if complaints are received it must be extinguished. It cannot burn when drought conditions are declared or when burn bans are ordered by federal, state, county or the Town of Collierville. The pit or fire area cannot be overloaded, and the fire stays small within the limits of the pit or portable fire box, not more than three feet wide and two feet in height. And flammable or combustible liquids cannot be used to start the fire. Section 91.17 mirrors the size limit by defining a recreational fire as one with a total fuel area of three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height.

Section 307.4.3 covers portable or fixed outdoor fireplaces. They must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and cannot be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible materials. The printed exception for one and two family dwellings carries four conditions: no burning in unfavorable atmospheric conditions, no burning during declared drought or ordered burn bans, fuel limited to clean wood, wood pellets made from clean wood or other listed fuels, and no trash, yard waste, rubbish or paper products. The Collierville Fire Marshal's office can confirm how that exception applies to a particular yard.

Section 307.5 adds an attendance rule: open burning, recreational fires and portable or fixed outdoor fireplaces must be constantly attended by an adult at least 18 years of age until the fire is extinguished. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4A rating, or other approved on-site equipment such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, must be available for immediate use.