Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Simpsonville, SC Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Fire pit rules in Simpsonville, SC, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Campfires
Exempt, generally allowed
Fuel
Clean, untreated wood only
Permit
Not required for recreational fire
Prohibited
Trash, plastics, treated wood
Officials
May order unsafe fire out

Summary

Recreational backyard fires such as campfires and warmth fires are exempt from South Carolina's open-burning ban, so they are generally allowed in Simpsonville. Warmth fires must use only clean, untreated wood, and city fire officials can order any fire extinguished if it becomes unsafe.

Campfires and fires used solely for recreational purposes, ceremonial occasions, or human warmth. Fires set for the purpose of human warmth must use only clean wood products.

Full Breakdown

SC Regulation 61-62.2 exempts 'campfires and fires used solely for recreational purposes, ceremonial occasions, or human warmth' from the statewide open-burning prohibition. Fires for warmth must use only clean wood products, meaning woody vegetation, leaves, or wood not coated with stain, paint, glue, or treated. That means backyard campfires and warmth fires are permitted in Simpsonville without a burn permit, provided you burn only clean wood and never household trash, plastics, or rubber. Because the city has adopted the International Fire Code (Chapter 20), the fire chief or marshal may require any recreational fire to stop if it creates hazardous conditions, excessive smoke, or a nuisance to neighbors. Keep fires small, attended, and away from structures.

Violations & Fines

An unsafe, oversized, or nuisance backyard fire, or burning prohibited materials, violates state open-burning rules and the city fire code and may be ordered extinguished with enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are backyard campfires legal in Simpsonville?
Yes. Recreational and warmth fires are exempt from South Carolina's open-burning ban. Use only clean, untreated wood, keep the fire small and attended, and never burn trash or plastics.
Can the fire department make me put out my fire?
Yes. Under the adopted fire code, the fire chief or marshal can require any recreational fire to be extinguished if it becomes hazardous, produces excessive smoke, or creates a nuisance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Simpsonville

All Simpsonville rules

How Simpsonville compares: Cities with the Strictest Fire Pit Rules·Compare Simpsonville to another location·View the South Carolina fire regulations overview

Get notified when Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in Simpsonville, SC changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.