San Antonio, TX Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)
Fire pit rules in San Antonio, TX, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Key Facts
- Clearance
- 25 ft from structures
- Screen
- Spark arrestor required
- Overhang
- Prohibited beneath
- Multifamily
- Stricter rules apply
Summary
San Antonio allows commercially sold fire pits with 25-foot clearance from structures. Spark arrestor screens must be in place. Fire pits cannot be used beneath balconies, porches, or overhangs. Multifamily properties (Group R Div 1 & 2) face stricter rules including 10-foot combustible surface setbacks.
308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices: Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a combustible surface. 308.4.2 Fire hazard prohibited: In Group R, Division 1 & 2 occupancies, a person shall not construct, erect, install, maintain or use any incinerator, barbecue pit or grill, or fuel fired lanterns, heaters, or torches... The use or burning of any such devices under the following conditions shall constitute a fire hazard and is strictly prohibited: 1. Within 10 linear feet of any combustible surface, including but not limited to decks, porches, balconies, walls, or verandas. 2. Beneath any balcony, porch, roof overhang, deck, or veranda.
Full Breakdown
Commercially sold wood-burning devices (outdoor fireplaces, fire bowls, chimeneas) are approved in San Antonio if: spark arrestor screen is in place, trash is not being burned, smoke doesn't enter surrounding buildings, and no fire hazard is created. Recreational fires require 25-foot clearance from structures and combustible materials. Open-flame cooking and heating devices are prohibited within 10 feet of combustible surfaces and beneath any balcony, porch, roof overhang, or deck. Multifamily (Group R, Division 1 & 2) properties have the strictest rules, no incinerators, BBQ pits, grills, or fuel-burning devices that create fire hazards. No permit is required for standard residential fire pits meeting these conditions.
Violations & Fines
Fire hazard creation: citation and fine $100–$2,000. Burning trash in fire pit: illegal, immediate citation. Multifamily violations: additional fire code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fire pits allowed in residential areas in San Antonio?
What are the fire pit setback requirements in San Antonio?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
How San Antonio compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle fire pits & backyard fires.