Rock Hill, SC Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

South Carolina adopts the International Fire Code statewide. Under S.C. Code Section 6-9-50, the South Carolina Building Codes Council (SCBCC) adopts the I-Codes, and as of January 1, 2020, the operative editions are the 2018 IBC, 2018 IRC, and 2018 IFC with state-specific modifications codified in Chapter 8 of the SC Code of Regulations (SC Reg 8-200 series). The 2018 IFC is therefore the operative fire code in Rock Hill, enforced locally under the City of Rock Hill Code of Ordinances Chapter 16 (Fire Prevention and Protection) and by the Rock Hill Fire Department / Fire Marshal. IFC Section 307.4.2 defines a recreational fire as an outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, or barbecue grill, with a fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes. The required minimum setback under IFC 307.4.2 is 25 feet from any structure or combustible material. Fuel must be seasoned natural firewood; burning yard debris, garbage, construction materials, treated or painted wood, plastics, tires, or rubber is prohibited under IFC 307.1.1 and the SC DHEC Open Burning Regulation (SC Reg 61-62.2). The fire must be attended at all times by a responsible adult with a connected garden hose, fire extinguisher, or water bucket on hand until completely extinguished. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas, manufactured fire bowls) are governed by IFC 307.4.3 with a 15-foot setback from structures on one- and two-family lots and are prohibited on combustible balconies of Group R-2 multifamily structures unless served by an approved fire suppression system. Listed gas-fired patio appliances (LP-gas fire tables, propane chimineas) are not recreational fires under IFC 307 and are instead governed by IFC Chapter 61 (LP-Gas) and manufacturer clearance requirements. The Rock Hill Fire Marshal and the South Carolina Forestry Commission may prohibit recreational fires during drought or red-flag wildfire warnings under S.C. Code Section 48-35-10 (Wildfire Control).