Smyrna, TN Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

Section 7-506.1 of the Smyrna Municipal Code sets the standards for recreational fires in the Town of Smyrna, Tennessee. Under § 7-506, recreational fires, including outdoor fire pits, fireplaces, burn barrels and portable grills, are exempt from the open burning permit, but only when they meet § 7-506.1. Recreational fires are one of three permit categories named in § 7-502, and the chapter was adopted by Ord. No. 26-24 on 6-9-2026.

The standards are specific. Open fires must be at least twenty-five (25) feet from any structure or combustible material. Portable fireplaces, grills and similar devices must be at least fifteen (15) feet from structures. The fire must be contained with a maximum fuel area not exceeding seven (7) square feet. The distances and the fuel area carry an asterisk in the code, and the chapter's note ties them to International Fire Code Section 307 standards. Materials burned must consist only of wood, vegetation or charcoal. Burning garbage, trash, rubber, asphalt or other prohibited materials is strictly prohibited, and § 7-507 extends the ban to household waste, treated wood, plastics and any material that produces toxic or excessive smoke. Fires must be constantly attended by a responsible person until extinguished.

A recreational fire still sits under the Fire Department's authority. Section 7-509 says all fires are subject to immediate extinguishment upon order of the Fire Department, and § 7-504 lets the Fire Chief or a designee forbid, restrict or suspend burning when weather or other conditions are unfavorable or hazardous for outdoor fires. A backyard fire that goes beyond the seven square foot fuel area or burns closer than the printed distances is no longer a permit-free recreational fire and would need to qualify under another permit category. The Fire Department issues those permits under § 7-503 and can attach conditions.