Indianapolis, IN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Indianapolis, IN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Marion County Rev. Code Sec. 511-703(6)
- What may be burned
- Dried limbs, twigs, branches only - NOT leaves
- Hours
- 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Container
- Noncombustible, vented, 1/4-inch mesh cover, 15+ ft from structures
Summary
Residents of single- or double-family dwellings may burn only dried limbs, twigs and branches (not leaves) that originate on their own or contiguous property, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., in a vented noncombustible container with a 1/4-inch mesh cover located more than 15 feet from any structure, under Marion County Revised Code Sec. 511-703(6).
(6) Limbs, twigs, and branches. Residents of single- or double-family dwellings located on one (1) or more residential lots shall be allowed to burn only dried limbs, twigs and branches (but not leaves) originating on their or contiguous premises, but only between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Burning shall be more than fifteen (15) feet from any structure, in a noncombustible container, sufficiently vented to induce adequate primary combustion air, with enclosed sides, a bottom and a mesh covering with openings no greater than one-fourth (1/4) inch. If such fire creates a health hazard, it shall be extinguished.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 511-703(6) of the Indianapolis/Marion County Revised Code governs residential disposal burning. It restricts what may be burned to dried limbs, twigs and branches (leaves are expressly excluded) originating on the resident's or a contiguous premises. The fire is limited to the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., must be located more than 15 feet from any structure, and must be contained in a noncombustible container that is sufficiently vented, has enclosed sides and a bottom, and a mesh covering with openings no greater than one-fourth inch. If the fire creates a health hazard it must be extinguished. The general Sec. 511-703 conditions also apply: the fire must be attended by a responsible person until completely extinguished and must not create a nuisance or fire hazard. The state recreational-burning exemption at 326 IAC 4-1-3 mirrors many of these conditions but the local ordinance is the controlling rule inside Marion County.
Violations & Fines
Violation of the open-burning provisions is an ordinance violation under Sec. 511-709: a $50 admit-liability civil penalty, escalating through administrative adjudication or civil enforcement to a fine not to exceed $2,500 for each violation, with each day of violation treated separately. The property owner of record is prima facie liable under Sec. 511-707(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in my Indianapolis backyard?
What hours can I burn yard brush?
Whose brush can I burn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
How Indianapolis compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana fire regulations overview
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