Haverford, PA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Haverford Township regulates fire pits and similar devices through the portable outdoor fireplace provision of the Air Pollution chapter, added by Ord. No. 2722 on July 14, 2014. Section 43-3 defines a portable outdoor fireplace as a portable, outdoor, solid-fuel burning fireplace that can be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material, either open in design or fitted with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top. The same ordinance rewrote the definition of open fire so that it excludes these devices, which is why they escape the burn ban in § 43-5(A).

The permission is conditional. Section 43-5(B)(3) allows a portable outdoor fireplace only if it is used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and six additional standards. First, the distance rule depends on the property: 15 feet from a structure or combustible material at multifamily and nonresidential properties, and 12 feet from a structure plus five feet from other combustible material at single- or two-family dwellings. Second, the device cannot exceed three feet in diameter. Third, it goes on a noncombustible surface. Fourth, no flammable liquids are to be used to start or maintain the fire. Fifth, wood-burning devices burn hard wood only. Sixth, the device is not to be placed under any awnings or roof type structures.

The fireplace allowance does not cover burning refuse. Section 43-5(B)(4) still prohibits the burning of leaves, twigs and brush, and § 43-5(A) still bars open fires for the destruction of refuse. Under § 43-4, the Haverford Township Police Chief, the Code Enforcement Officer or any other duly authorized agent enforces the article. A homeowner who sets a fire pit closer than the printed distance, or builds one larger than three feet across, is outside the exception and exposed to the penalty clause.