Fort Wayne, IN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Fort Wayne, IN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Max fire size
- 36 in. diameter, 2 ft. high
- Setback
- 25 ft. from structure or fence
- Permit lead time
- 24 hours advance, Fire Dept.
- Permit-exempt
- Scouting/family cookout campfires
- Penalty
- $100, rises to $150
Summary
Recreational and camp fires in Fort Wayne must stay within 36 inches across and 2 feet high, sit at least 25 feet from any structure or fence, and get a Fire Department burn permit unless they're a scouting or family cookout campfire.
A RECREATIONAL OR CAMP FIRE shall have a total fuel area no greater than 36 inches in diameter and a fuel load not to exceed two feet in height. ... A Burn Permit shall be obtained from the Fire Department at least 24 hours in advance of the permitted open burning. ... A fire shall be located at least 25 feet away from any structure, fence or right of way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Fort Wayne Code of Ordinances § 94.70 caps a recreational or camp fire at 36 inches in diameter and a fuel load no more than two feet high, burning only untreated wood products, not leaves, paper or trash. Section 94.71 requires a Fire Department burn permit at least 24 hours in advance, extinguishing equipment on site, and a fire kept at least 25 feet from any structure, fence or right-of-way, attended until fully out. Scouting and family cookout campfires are exempt from the permit itself but must still meet the size, distance and attendance rules. Barbecue pits and grills fueled by charcoal are excluded from the definition of open burning entirely.
Violations & Fines
Burning without a permit, oversized fires, or fires that create a smoke nuisance violate § 94.70; Fire, Police, and Neighborhood Code Enforcement can cite violators, with a $100 fine, rising to $150 if unanswered within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Fort Wayne?
How big can a recreational fire pit be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
How Fort Wayne compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Fort Wayne to another location·View the Indiana fire regulations overview
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