Fire pit rules in Hamilton County, TN — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Backyard fire pits, chimineas, and small recreational fires are allowed in Hamilton County without a burn permit, even during the May 1–Sept. 30 seasonal ban. Tennessee's fire code requires them at least 25 feet from any structure and constantly attended.
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau (APCB) treats fire pits, campfires, warming and ceremonial fires as recreational fires that are exempt from the open-burning permit and from the seasonal burning ban. Tennessee's adopted fire code (IFC Section 307) governs how far they must be from combustibles. The fire must be constantly attended with extinguishing equipment nearby and fully put out afterward. Fuel is limited to clean wood or approved products, not trash. City limits or HOA rules may add stricter setbacks, so keep pits well clear of decks, fences, and overhangs.
Unattended or oversized fires, or burning prohibited materials, can trigger fire-code enforcement and APCB nuisance action.
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