Clark County, NV Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Clark County, NV, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Fire department permit for any open fire
- Exception
- Barbecue pits, grills, outdoor fireplaces for cooking
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only, including the Strip
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor: up to 10 days jail, $1,000 fine
- Enforced by
- Clark County Fire Department
Summary
Clark County requires a fire department permit before you kindle any open outdoor fire on private land, including fire pits and burn containers, unless it's a barbecue pit, grill, or outdoor fireplace used strictly for cooking food.
No person shall kindle or maintain any outdoor open fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained on any private land without first having obtained a permit from the fire department...Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit or make unlawful the construction and use of barbecue pits, grills or outdoor fireplaces for the preparation of food for consumption by individuals on their own private property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147).
Full Breakdown
Clark County Code § 12.49.090 bars kindling or maintaining any outdoor open fire on private land, a fire pit, chiminea, or bonfire, without a permit from the Clark County Fire Department, and any outdoor burn container must itself be fire-department approved. The rule carves out one exception: barbecue pits, grills, and outdoor fireplaces used to cook food for the property owner, family, or guests need no permit. This applies only in unincorporated Clark County, the Strip resorts in Paradise and Winchester townships included, not Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, or Mesquite, which enforce their own codes.
Violations & Fines
Violating this permit requirement is a misdemeanor under Clark County Code § 12.49.100: up to 10 days in the county jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a fire pit in my backyard in unincorporated Clark County?
Does this apply to the Las Vegas Strip?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
How Clark County compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Clark County to another location·View the Nevada fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.