Fire pit rules in Erie, PA — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Erie, PA (Erie County, population approximately 95,000) regulates residential fire pits through Part Fifteen of the Codified Ordinances (Article 1503), which adopts the International Fire Code as the city's Fire Prevention Code under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code Chapters 401-405). Under IFC Section 307, recreational fires must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material and portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from a structure.
Erie adopts the International Fire Code through Part Fifteen of the Codified Ordinances (Article 1503 - Standards), administered by the Erie Fire Prevention Division (Article 131 - Bureau of Fire). IFC Section 307 controls recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces. A 'recreational fire' is an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit, with a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, cooking, or warmth. The Erie Fire Department guidance applies these rules locally: recreational fires must be 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; portable outdoor fireplaces must be 15 feet from a structure; only seasoned natural firewood may be burned in an approved metal or masonry fire ring, portable outdoor fireplace, or chiminea; and hand-dug fire pits, burn barrels, or containers not designed for recreational fires are not permitted. Burning is prohibited when winds gust to or are sustained at 10 mph or higher. An attendant with a minimum 4-A rated portable fire extinguisher or other approved means of extinguishment must remain on site until the fire is out. Erie restricts recreational burning hours to 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and federally observed holidays. Erie is a 3rd-class city under the PA Uniform Construction Code at 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401-405.
Violations of the adopted IFC are enforced by the Erie Bureau of Fire Prevention. Under IFC 109 and Erie's general code penalty section, fines are typically $100 to $1,000 per offense plus cost recovery if the Fire Department is dispatched. Each day a violation continues may be charged as a separate offense. An out-of-control fire causing damage can also trigger criminal liability under 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3301 (Arson and related offenses).
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