South Fulton, GA Fire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard Fires (2026)

The City of South Fulton's open burning chapter treats backyard fire pits as "warming fires," a defined no-permit category covering both a metal barrel setup and any commercially sold outdoor fireplace device. Section 13-4001(a)(4) allows a warming fire in a barrel of 55-gallon capacity or less, or another commercially sold outdoor fireplace device, on the condition that the fire produces no dense smoke or obnoxious odors and is attended by someone at least 17 years old. Untreated wood or lumber is the only fuel the rule allows, and the section shuts the activity down entirely once the ambient outside air temperature exceeds 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Section 13-4002(a)(9) restates the no-permit, no-fee status of warming fires and adds the placement rule: the container has to sit not less than 25 feet from any structure, and no on-ground warming fire is permitted at all, meaning an uncontained backyard fire pit built directly on the ground is unlawful citywide regardless of size. General open burning standards layered on top of the warming fire rule bar heavy oils, gasoline, asphaltic materials, plastic, and rubber products as fuel, require the burn to stay on private property clear of streets and sidewalks, and give the fire marshal authority to prohibit any outdoor fire when atmospheric conditions make it hazardous.

The City of South Fulton Fire Prevention Division administers permits for the categories that do require them, while the Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, and their designees enforce the warming fire limits.