Fire pit rules in Springdale, AR — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
Springdale (Washington and Benton Counties, population approximately 95,000) regulates residential fire pits and outdoor recreational fires through Chapter 46 (Fire Prevention and Protection) of the Springdale Municipal Code, which adopts the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (2021 edition, based on the 2021 International Fire Code). Recreational fire devices must be at least 25 feet from any structure, no larger than 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet high, burn only seasoned wood, be continuously attended, and use a spark screen.
Springdale Code of Ordinances Chapter 46 (Fire Prevention and Protection) adopts the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code published by the Arkansas State Police - State Fire Marshal's Office under A.C.A. Section 12-13-101 et seq. The current edition is the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, a state-amended version of the 2021 International Fire Code. Section 307 of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces) governs backyard fire pits, chimineas, fire bowls, and similar devices. The recreational-fire rules adopted in Springdale and enforced by the Springdale Fire Department (417 Holcomb Avenue, 2nd Floor; 479-751-4510) require: (1) the fire device must be at least 25 feet from any structure, overhang, tree, vegetation, decking, porch, shed, fence, or adjacent property line; (2) the fire size must not exceed 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height; (3) only seasoned natural wood may be burned - no leaves, brush, treated wood, plastic, or household debris; (4) the fire must be continuously attended by an adult; and (5) the fire must be protected by a spark screen to contain flying ash and embers. Outdoor recreational burning is prohibited whenever Washington County or Benton County has issued a burn ban (which the county judges issue frequently during dry conditions) and whenever wind speeds exceed 15 mph. Listed gas-fired patio fire bowls and barbecue grills are not subject to the 25-foot recreational-fire setback but must follow manufacturer clearances and Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases). Springdale Code Enforcement (201 Spring Street; 479-750-8154) coordinates with the Fire Marshal on outdoor-fire complaints.
Recreational fires that exceed the 25-foot setback, the 3-foot by 2-foot size limit, that burn during a burn ban, or that burn with winds over 15 mph violate Chapter 46 of the Springdale Code and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Violations are enforced by the Springdale Fire Department and Code Enforcement under the General Penalty of the Springdale Municipal Code, with fines up to $500 per offense and up to 30 days in jail per A.C.A. Section 14-55-504, with each day a continuing violation chargeable as a separate offense. Recklessly causing a fire that damages property may also trigger criminal arson liability under A.C.A. Section 5-38-301.
Springdale, AR
Pools, hot tubs, and spas deeper than 24 inches in Springdale must be enclosed by a barrier under the city's Premises Maintenance Code (Chapter 91, Article I...
Springdale, AR
Springdale's Code of Ordinances does not publish a closed list of allowed residential fence materials. Wood, vinyl, ornamental metal, chain link, and masonry...
Springdale, AR
Springdale's Code of Ordinances does not require a neighbor's consent to install a fence on your own land. Boundary and partition-fence disputes between adjo...
Springdale, AR
Springdale fence installations are reviewed by the Building and Development Services Department under Chapter 22 (Building) and Chapter 130 (Zoning). A permi...
Springdale, AR
Springdale regulates fence height through Chapter 130 (Zoning Ordinance) by district rather than a single citywide cap. Industrial uses required to be enclos...
Springdale, AR
Springdale Municipal Code Chapter 14 (Animals) does not publish a numeric cap on the total number of dogs or cats per household, and instead relies on rabies...
See how Springdale's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.