Nashville, TN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Nashville, TN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Recreational fire size cap
- 3 ft. diameter, 2 ft. height
- Recreational fire setback
- 25 feet from structures
- Outdoor fireplace/grill setback
- 15 feet from multi-unit buildings
- Permit required
- Yes, from fire marshal or health dept.
- On-site safety gear
- Water supply + 2A-10BC extinguisher
Summary
Metro Nashville allows small recreational fires and outdoor fireplaces countywide, but recreational fires need a 25-foot setback from structures and a fire marshal permit.
"Recreational fire" means the noncommercial burning of materials other than rubbish for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, or similar purposes...the total fuel area is not exceeding 3 ft. (0.9 m) in diameter and 2 ft. (0.6 m) in height. ...(c) Shall not be conducted within twenty-five feet of a structure or combustible material.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metro's fire code caps a backyard "recreational fire" at 3 feet across and 2 feet high and keeps it out of an incinerator, grill, or barbecue pit. It needs a fire marshal or public health department permit, must sit at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and requires an approved water supply plus a 2A-10BC extinguisher on hand. Outdoor fireplaces and portable grills used for cooking instead need only a 15-foot setback from structures housing more than two dwelling units. The fire marshal can order any fire extinguished as a nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Fire marshal or public health director can order the fire extinguished immediately; violators face the civil penalty schedule in Metro Code Chapter 1.24.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Nashville?
How close can a fire pit be to my house in Nashville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
How Nashville compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee fire regulations overview
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