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 adopts International Fire Code Section 307 as its local fire code. Portable outdoor fireplaces must follow the manufacturer's instructions and stay at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material; recreational fire pits must be 25 feet away. All fires must be constantly attended with a 4-A fire extinguisher or other suppression on site.
The City of Erie enforces the International Fire Code (IFC) Section 307 governing open burning, recreational fires, and portable outdoor fireplaces. Under IFC 307.4.3, portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, manufactured fire bowls, etc.) shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Recreational fire pits fall under IFC 307.4.2, which requires a 25-foot setback from any structure or combustible material, with conditions that could spread the fire eliminated before ignition. The City of Erie Fire Department further advises that residents burn only dry, seasoned firewood in approved containers such as a metal or masonry fire ring, portable outdoor fireplace, or chiminea; hand-dug fire pits, burn barrels, and containers not normally used for recreational fires are not permitted. Every fire must be constantly attended until extinguished, with a minimum 4-A portable fire extinguisher or other approved on-site equipment (dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose, or water truck) available for immediate use.
Operating a fire pit in violation of IFC Section 307 allows the fire code official to order the fire extinguished (IFC 307.3). Burning prohibited materials (recyclables, leaf waste, or grass clippings) is also chargeable under Quality of Life item QOL-31, processed through Erie's Quality of Life ticketing program with escalating fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Erie, PA
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