Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in South Bend

South Bend, IN 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 South Bend, IN, also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances, cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.

Key Facts

Max Size
Under 3 ft wide, 2 ft high
Clearance
25 feet from structures
Fireplace
Portable unit reduces clearance
Attendance
Required until fully out
Fuel
No leaves, trash, or rubbish

Summary

South Bend allows recreational fires kept under three feet wide and two feet high. Fires must stay 25 feet from any structure or combustible material unless in a portable outdoor fireplace.

must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, unless conducted in a portable outdoor fireplace

Source: South Bend Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).

Full Breakdown

South Bend regulates recreational fires under Chapter 9, Article 4 of the Municipal Code and the Indiana Fire Code (675 IAC 22). A recreational fire is a small ground fire maintained at less than three feet wide and two feet high, kept at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material unless burned in a portable outdoor fireplace, which reduces the required clearance. Fires must be constantly attended by someone with extinguishing equipment nearby and fully extinguished before leaving. Only clean wood may burn; leaves, grass, paper, rubbish, and trash are prohibited fuels under Sec. 9-20.

Violations & Fines

Illegal burning under Sec. 9-20 carries municipal fines. The fire department may order immediate extinguishment; an escaped fire can bring criminal charges and cost-recovery for suppression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a backyard fire pit in South Bend?
Yes. Keep it under three feet wide and two feet high, at least 25 feet from structures, attended at all times, and burn only clean wood.
Does a store-bought fire pit have to be 25 feet away?
A portable outdoor fireplace may be placed closer than 25 feet, but you still cannot burn leaves, trash, or rubbish in it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in South Bend

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsFireworksFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All South Bend rules

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

Get notified when Fire Pits & Backyard Fires in South Bend, IN 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.