Orem, UT Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Orem, UT, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- 2021 IFC 307.4; Orem City Code 7-2-11
- Recreational fire clearance
- 25 ft from structures/combustibles
- Permit trigger
- Required for forest/brush/grass/grain/stubble/hay land
- Supervision
- Adult attendant with extinguishing equipment
Summary
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in Orem without a burn permit, but the adopted 2021 IFC requires a 25-foot clearance from structures and combustibles (15 feet for a portable outdoor fireplace), and a city burn permit is required to burn any forest, brush, range, grass, grain, stubble, or hay land under Orem City Code 7-2-11.
Recreational fires are allowed year-round but must be kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material; the fire pit diameter should not exceed 3 feet; a means of extinguishment (such as a garden hose) must be available; the fire requires constant adult supervision; and it must be completely extinguished and not allowed to smolder after use.
Full Breakdown
A recreational fire - a small wood or charcoal fire for cooking, warmth, or enjoyment - does not require a burn permit in Orem, but it is governed by the adopted 2021 International Fire Code. IFC Section 307.4.2 requires recreational fires to stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and IFC 307.4.3 requires portable outdoor fireplaces to be operated at least 15 feet away. The Orem Fire Division advises keeping open fires 25 feet from structures or combustibles and fires in an improved barbecue pit or portable outdoor fireplace 15 feet of clearance. Fires must be small, attended by an adult with fire-extinguishing equipment on hand, and fully extinguished before leaving. Under Orem City Code 7-2-11, starting a fire on any forest, brush, range, grass, grain, stubble, or hay land requires a burn permit from the City Fire Division. During red-flag conditions or stage fire restrictions, even recreational fires may be temporarily banned.
Violations & Fines
An out-of-clearance, oversized, or unattended recreational fire violates the adopted 2021 IFC and may be ordered extinguished by the fire official, with a citation possible. Starting a fire on brush, grass, range, or stubble land without the required 7-2-11 burn permit is a city violation, and the responsible party is liable for any escaped fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard campfire in Orem?
When do I need a burn permit for a backyard fire?
Can my fire be banned even though it is in my own backyard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orem
How Orem compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Orem to another location·View the Utah fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Utah County handle fire pits & backyard fires.