Tuscaloosa, AL Fire Regulations: Fire Pit Rules (2026)

Tuscaloosa treats a backyard fire pit as a recreational fire, not regulated open burning. Tuscaloosa Code Section 11-28(b)(1) states that no open fire may be kindled or maintained without a city permit, but it specifically exempts fires for 'cooking of food for human consumption' and fires 'for recreational or ceremonial purposes.' So a contained recreational fire pit does not require an open-burning permit. The detailed safety standards come from the city's adopted fire code: under Section 11-20, Tuscaloosa adopts the 2021 International Fire Code (the 'Tuscaloosa Fire Code'). IFC Section 307.4.2 requires that recreational fires not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material, and a recreational fire is defined as one with a fuel area 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height. IFC Section 307.5 requires the fire to be constantly attended until extinguished, with a portable fire extinguisher (minimum 4-A rating), garden hose, dirt, sand, or other approved extinguishing means available on site. Portable outdoor fireplaces (chimineas) used at one- and two-family dwellings are exempt from the 15-foot setback that otherwise applies. Burn only clean, dry firewood; never use a fire pit to dispose of trash, leaves, or treated wood.