Fire pit rules in St. Louis, MO — also called outdoor burning, recreational fire, or open flame ordinances — cover fuel types, clearances, and when burning is allowed.
St. Louis allows recreational fire pits on residential property with restrictions. Fires must be contained in an approved pit or chiminea, kept at least 15 feet from structures, and attended at all times.
St. Louis Fire Department enforces IFC 2015 Chapter 3 as adopted by the City. Recreational fires are defined as less than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in flame height, used for warmth or cooking. Fires must be in non-combustible containers (metal pit, masonry, chiminea) placed on non-combustible surfaces. A water source (hose or extinguisher) must be immediately available. Burning of leaves, yard waste, garbage, treated lumber, or construction debris is prohibited. The Fire Department may order any fire extinguished if smoke, odor, or embers create a nuisance for neighbors (common in dense historic neighborhoods like Soulard, Benton Park, and The Hill).
Nuisance smoke or unauthorized material: ordered extinguished and $100-$500 fine. Repeat violations may result in municipal court citation.
St. Louis, MO
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See how St. Louis's fire pit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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