Iowa City, IA Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Iowa City Fire Department regulates recreational fires through Title 6 Chapter 6 (Open Burning) of the City Code, posted at https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/iowacityia/latest/iowacity_ia/0-0-0-2041, and Iowa City's adoption of the International Fire Code under Title 17. Open burning for campfires and outdoor cooking is permitted without any burning permit if performed in an approved container constructed of steel, brick, or masonry, or in a portable outdoor fireplace. Below-ground fire pits must be at least four inches deep and surrounded aboveground by a non-combustible material such as steel, brick, or masonry. Below-ground fire pits and freestanding fireplaces must be located a minimum of 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Portable fire pits must be located at least 15 feet from any structure or combustible material. Only natural firewood or commercial logs may be burned. Burning of lumber, pallets, scrap wood, tree trimmings, leaves, yard waste, paper, cardboard, and garbage is prohibited. The fire must be constantly attended and supervised until completely extinguished, and a portable fire extinguisher or garden hose must be readily available. Outdoor burning is prohibited 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. unless permitted and approved by the Fire Code Official. The City's Fire Department education page is at https://www.icgov.org/government/departments-and-divisions/fire-department/education-and-resources. Recreational fires are suspended whenever the Iowa State Fire Marshal declares a Johnson County burn ban; the active list is at https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-marshal/burn-bans. Contact: Iowa City Fire Department main line 319-356-5260.