Provo, UT Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in Provo, UT, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Recreational fire setback
- 25 ft from structures/combustibles (IFC 307.4.2)
- Portable fireplace setback
- 15 ft from structures (IFC 307.4.3)
- Cooking pit exception
- Contained pit, cooking area <= 6 ft diameter (PCC 9.51.040)
- Attendance
- Fire must be attended with extinguishment on hand
Summary
Backyard recreational fires and small cooking fires are allowed in Provo under the adopted International Fire Code (Provo City Code 9.51), but a recreational fire must stay at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and contained cooking pits are limited to a six-foot cooking area under Provo City Code 9.51.040.
Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition. ... Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet (3048 mm) of a structure or combustible material.
Full Breakdown
2 requires that a recreational fire not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material and that anything that could let fire spread within that radius be cleared first; portable outdoor fireplaces must stay at least 15 feet from a structure. 040 prohibits open burning but expressly excepts outdoor cooking: contained barbecues or pits with a cooking area no larger than six (6) feet in diameter are permitted, as are other outdoor cooking facilities approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Provo Fire & Rescue further limits backyard recreational fire pits to 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet of flame height (see fire-pit-rules).
All fires must be constantly attended, kept away from overhanging branches, and have a means of extinguishment (hose, bucket, or extinguisher) close at hand. 5(1)(b).
Violations & Fines
A backyard fire that is too close to a structure, oversized, or left unattended violates the adopted International Fire Code (Provo City Code 9.51) and may be ordered extinguished; the responsible party can face a fire-code citation and is liable for suppression costs if the fire escapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a backyard fire in Provo?
Is a barbecue or cooking pit treated differently?
Do I have to watch the fire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Provo
How Provo compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Provo 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.