Pittsburgh, PA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Pittsburgh, PA, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Fire Bureau permit fee
- $71 (Table 105.1.4, item 105.6.30)
- Second permit required
- Allegheny County Health Department
- Base code adopted
- International Fire Code/2009, city-amended
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine + 90 days jail
- Governing section
- Pittsburgh Code § 801.02
Summary
Any open burning in Pittsburgh, including a backyard fire pit or bonfire, needs a $71 Fire Bureau permit under the adopted International Fire Code, plus a separate permit from the Allegheny County Health Department.
Section 307.2: Add the following: Section 307.2 Permit Required: A permit shall also be obtained from the Allegheny County Health Department.
Full Breakdown
Pittsburgh's own code doesn't spell out size or containment limits for a backyard fire: it adopts the International Fire Code/2009 wholesale and layers on local amendments at § 801.02. Any open burning triggers a $71 Fire Bureau permit (Table 105.1.4, item 105.6.30), and the city's amendment to IFC § 307.2 adds a second requirement: a separate permit from the Allegheny County Health Department. Both agencies have to sign off before you strike a match, regardless of how small the fire is.
Violations & Fines
Burning without both permits violates the Fire Code. Penalties run up to $1,000 in fines plus costs and up to 90 days in jail per offense, with each day a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard fire pit in Pittsburgh?
What code governs backyard fires in Pittsburgh?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pittsburgh
How Pittsburgh compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Pittsburgh to another location·View the Pennsylvania fire regulations overview
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