Rankin County, MS Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Rankin County adopts the International Fire Code through reference in its building regulations, and the cities of Brandon, Pearl, Richland, Flowood, and Florence each enforce similar standards under local fire prevention ordinances. Under IFC §307 as adopted, recreational fires are limited to a total fuel area of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material, and must be constantly attended by a competent person with a fire extinguisher, water supply, or shovel and dirt readily available. Portable outdoor fireplaces and UL-listed fire appliances may be placed as close as 15 feet from structures, and 3 feet when used on a non-combustible patio surface. Only clean, dry, seasoned firewood may be burned; burning of trash, treated lumber, tires, or yard debris in a fire pit is prohibited under Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality air quality rules. The Mississippi Forestry Commission under MS Code Ann. §49-19-1 et seq. has authority to declare burn bans countywide, and during summer drought or high-wind conditions Rankin County fire pits are often subject to these bans. Properties near the Ross Barnett Reservoir and heavily wooded areas east of Brandon face heightened enforcement during dry weather.